Adil Boulbina struck a dramatic winner in the 119th minute as Algeria defeated DR Congo 1-0 after extra time to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and set up a showdown with Nigeria.
The late goal ensured the Desert Foxes progressed to the last eight for the first time since winning the tournament in 2019, while also confirming a repeat of the AFCON 2019 semi-final against the Super Eagles.
With the competition now at the knockout stage, both sides approached the Round of 16 tie with caution. Despite scoring freely during the group phase, Algeria and DR Congo failed to register a shot in the opening 15 minutes of a tense and closely fought encounter.
DR Congo created the first real openings shortly before the half-hour mark. Cédric Bakambu forced goalkeeper Luca Zidane into a smart save before Axel Tuanzebe headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner.
The first half remained largely subdued as both teams prioritised defensive organisation. After the restart, DR Congo increased the pressure, with Chancel Mbemba coming close inside the area following a corner, only for Hicham Boudaoui to produce a crucial block.
Algeria attempted to shift the momentum with changes from the bench, including the withdrawal of Riyad Mahrez, but DR Congo continued to look the more threatening. Edo Kayembe tested Zidane with a powerful effort from distance, while Algeria struggled to create clear chances in open play.
Anis Hadj-Moussa briefly threatened for the North Africans, but his effort was comfortably saved by Lionel Mpasi as the match drifted into extra time.
Algeria showed greater urgency during the additional 30 minutes. Baghdad Bounedjah went close when he burst into the area but dragged his shot wide, while Mpasi produced an excellent reflex save to deny Farès Chaïbi.
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Just as the contest appeared destined for penalties, Boulbina delivered the decisive moment. Bursting down the left flank, he unleashed a fierce strike into the far corner in the 119th minute to send Algeria through and end DR Congo’s hopes of reaching successive AFCON quarter-finals.
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Algeria will now face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the quarter-finals in Marrakech on Saturday, 10 January, in a rematch of their AFCON 2019 semi-final, which the Desert Foxes won on their way to lifting the title.
