Algeria booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, setting up a high-profile clash with Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.
The tightly contested Round of 16 encounter at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat was decided deep into extra time when substitute Adil Boulbina struck in the 119th minute. The 22-year-old forward was released down the left flank before driving into the penalty area and firing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to seal the win.
Boulbina, who plays for Qatari side Al-Duhail and was making only his second appearance off the bench at the tournament, was emotional after the match.
“Playing for the national team has always been my dream,” he said. “I got my opportunity and scored. The most important thing is that we won and qualified.”
The 2019 champions, who won all three of their group-stage matches, continue to build momentum and are now regarded as strong contenders for a third AFCON title.
For DR Congo, the defeat was a painful one, particularly after pushing the favourites all the way. Head coach Sébastien Desabre praised his players despite the narrow loss.
“We are obviously disappointed,” Desabre said. “It was a high-level game between two good teams. The players fought to the end, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”
The match produced few clear chances in regulation time. DR Congo’s Axel Tuanzebe headed just wide from a corner in the first half, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza narrowly missed the target. In the second half, Edo Kayembe tested goalkeeper Luca Zidane with a long-range effort, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
Extra time saw Algeria apply increased pressure, with DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi making crucial saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah. Just when penalties appeared inevitable, Ramiz Zerrouki threaded a decisive pass to Boulbina, who delivered the winning goal.
Algeria will now turn their attention to Nigeria as both sides prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final showdown.
