Algeria edge DR Congo 1-0 after extra time at AFCON as Adil Boulbina scores in the 119th minute to set up a quarter final clash with Nigeria.
Algeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals after a dramatic 1-0 extra time win over DR Congo in Rabat. The last 16 tie appeared destined for penalties before Adil Boulbina struck in the 119th minute. His late goal finally separated two disciplined sides after a goalless 90 minutes. Algeria now advance as one of the tournament’s most resilient teams.
The match at Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan was defined by structure and caution. Both teams prioritised defensive shape and limited risks in possession. Clear chances were rare throughout regulation time as midfield battles dominated. The first half ended 0-0 with neither goalkeeper seriously tested.
Algeria enjoyed more of the ball, especially before the break. They controlled possession without finding a cutting edge in the final third. DR Congo stayed compact and threatened on the counter when space opened. Cedric Bakambu caused problems with his physical presence and movement.
DR Congo came closest to scoring in the first half. Bakambu forced a save from Luca Zidane after breaking clear. Axel Tuanzebe then headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner. Algeria’s first real opening arrived late in the half when Ibrahim Maza fired wide from range.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Algeria lost Ismael Bennacer to injury, disrupting their midfield control. Both sides struggled to create clear chances despite fresh legs from the bench. Anthony Mandrea and Lionel Mpasi remained composed when called upon.
The defining moments arrived in extra time as fatigue set in. Mpasi produced two excellent saves to deny Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah. At the other end, Zineddine Belaid made a vital defensive header to stop a close-range chance in stoppage time. Those interventions kept the match level deep into extra time.
With penalties looming, Algeria finally found their breakthrough. Ramiz Zerrouki released Boulbina down the left channel. The substitute cut inside Aaron Wan-Bissaka and struck a fierce right footed shot. The ball flew over Mpasi and in off the underside of the bar. It was Algeria’s only shot on target in extra time.
Algeria finished with 12 shots to DR Congo’s six. Expected goals favoured the North Africans at 0.62 to 0.16. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba was outstanding defensively. He recorded 13 clearances and won seven duels. Algeria kept their fourth clean sheet of the tournament.
The win also ended Algeria’s long wait for a knockout victory. Their last such success came in the 2019 final. It highlighted their defensive solidity rather than attacking flair. Vladimir Petkovic’s side have now conceded just once at AFCON 2025.
Algeria will face Nigeria in the quarter finals on Saturday in Marrakesh. The Super Eagles arrive in strong form after a 4-0 win over Mozambique. Nigeria have scored 12 goals in the tournament so far. Algeria’s defence will face its toughest test yet.
For DR Congo, the focus shifts away from AFCON and into 2026 World Cup qualification. Sebastien Desabre’s side exit after a brave display. They now turn attention to March’s intercontinental World Cup play off. Despite defeat, their defensive organisation offers encouragement for what lies ahead.
