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A stunning goal from Boulbina in the final minute of extra time handed Algeria a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat after a fiercely contested encounter.
Adil Boulbina. (X)
Adil Boulbina shone brightly as Algeria won their last-16 fixture against DR Congo in Morocco on Tuesday, completing the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals line-up.
A stunning goal from substitute Boulbina in the final minute of extra time handed Algeria a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat after a fiercely contested encounter.
Algeria will now face in-form Nigeria, while Ivory Coast will take on the seven-time title-holders Egypt.
As the cagey clash between Algeria and DR Congo appeared to be heading towards a penalty shoot-out, Boulbina broke free on the left in the 119th minute, advanced into the area, and unleashed a powerful strike into the net.
This moment of brilliance sparked wild celebrations in the stadium, with the majority of the 18,837-strong crowd cheering for Algeria.
Boulbina emerged as an unlikely hero, making just his second appearance off the bench in the tournament after being included in the squad following his participation for Algeria at the recent Arab Cup in Qatar.
“I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. It is the ambition of every Algerian to play for their country and do well,” said Boulbina, who was in tears at the end. “I had my chance and scored, and the most important thing is that we won and qualified for the next round.”
Despite the loss, DR Congo can look forward to an intercontinental play-off in March. A win against New Caledonia or Jamaica would see them qualify for their first World Cup since 1974.
“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome. I thought it was a top-level game between two really good sides,” said coach Sebastien Desabre. “The players gave everything. We fought to the end but unfortunately, it was not enough.”
The match in Rabat, featuring two of the continent’s leading nations, had the potential to be the tie of the round but did not quite live up to expectations. There was a noticeable lack of quality in the final third from both sides, despite the attacking talent on display, with neither captain Riyad Mahrez nor the thrilling Ibrahim Maza lasting the full 90 minutes for Algeria.
January 07, 2026, 08:41 IST
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