Algeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2019, edging past the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0 after extra time in a tense Round of 16 encounter.
A dramatic 119th-minute winner from Adil Boulbina sealed the victory for the Desert Foxes and set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Cagey Opening, Congo Threatens First
With knockout football raising the stakes, both sides began cautiously, failing to register a shot in the opening 15 minutes despite scoring freely during the group stage.
DR Congo carved out the first clear chances just before the half-hour mark. Cédric Bakambu forced Luca Zidane into a smart save, tipping his effort around the post, before Axel Tuanzebe headed narrowly wide from the ensuing corner.
Apart from those moments, the first half remained largely scrappy, with neither side willing to overcommit.
After the restart, DR Congo looked the more assertive side. They increased the tempo and nearly broke the deadlock when Chancel Mbemba pounced on a loose ball in the box following a corner, only for Hicham Boudaoui to produce a crucial block.
Algeria searched for inspiration from the bench, even making the surprise decision to withdraw Riyad Mahrez, yet DR Congo continued to threaten. Edo Kayembe’s long-range strike required a firm response from Zidane, while Algeria’s Anis Hadj-Moussa tested goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with a rare effort.
Extra-Time Drama
Algeria finally found greater urgency in extra time. Baghdad Bounedjah went close after bursting into the box, firing narrowly wide, while Farès Chaïbi looked destined to win it late on before Mpasi produced an outstanding reflex save.
Just as the contest appeared headed for penalties, Algeria struck decisively. In the 119th minute, Adil Boulbina surged down the left flank and unleashed a thunderous strike into the far corner, breaking DR Congo hearts and sending the Desert Foxes through.
What It Means
The win ends Algeria’s wait for a return to the AFCON quarter-finals since their 2019 triumph and denies Les Léopards a second consecutive appearance at this stage. Algeria will now face Nigeria in what promises to be one of the tournament’s standout quarter-final clashes.
