Boulbina strikes late as Algeria edge DR Congo 1-0 to reach AFCON quarterfinals

Adil Boulbina’s goal deep into extra time proved decisive in a hard-fought contest against DR Congo, sending Algeria through to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Played in down the left by fellow substitute Ramiz Zerrouki, Boulbina outpaced a tiring Aaron Wan-Bissaka, cut back inside and unleashed an unstoppable right-footed strike that flew over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and in off the underside of the crossbar for the game’s only goal.

According to the BBC Sports, the result, which leaves DR Congo still searching for their first-ever victory over Algeria, was harsh on the Central Africans.

Having matched Les Fennecs throughout an evenly balanced encounter in Rabat, DR Congo appeared to have done enough to force what looked an inevitable penalty shootout before Boulbina’s dramatic intervention.

In a match short on clear-cut chances, with both defences firmly on top, France legend Zinedine Zidane was once again in attendance to watch his son Luca keep a fourth clean sheet of the tournament for Algeria.

With such a resolute defensive unit, the 2019 AFCON champions will fancy their chances of containing free-scoring Nigeria when the sides meet in Marrakesh on Saturday for a place in the semifinals.

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