Algeria booked a quarter-final showdown with the Super Eagles of Nigeria after snatching a late extra-time winner to defeat DR Congo in their Round of 16 clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Substitute Adil Boulbina proved the difference deep into extra time, scoring the decisive goal to settle a tense and evenly contested encounter in Rabat.
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Played in down the left by fellow substitute Ramiz Zerrouki, Boulbina outpaced a tiring Aaron Wan-Bissaka, cut inside and unleashed a ferocious right-footed strike that flew over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and in off the underside of the crossbar.
The goal came with barely a minute remaining before a penalty shootout, breaking Congolese hearts after a disciplined and resilient display that had kept the contest finely balanced for over 120 minutes.
The Desert Warriors and the Leopards had played out a goalless draw in regulation time, with clear chances at a premium as both defences held firm. Algeria’s backline, marshalled superbly throughout the tournament, once again delivered, recording another clean sheet.
The result extended DR Congo’s long wait for a first-ever victory over Algeria and was a cruel ending for Sébastien Desabre’s side, who had looked set to take the tie to penalties.
French football icon Zinedine Zidane was again in attendance, watching his son Luca Zidane keep a fourth clean sheet of the tournament for Les Fennecs.
Algeria’s narrow 1–0 extra-time victory sends them into the last eight, where they will face Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday, in a repeat of their memorable 2019 AFCON semi-final clash.
