Rabat, Morocco — Algeria advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Tuesday after substitute Adil Boulbina netted in the 119th minute to break a scoreless deadlock and defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 at Stade Moulay El Hassan.
The only goal arrived one minute before a penalty shootout appeared inevitable. Collecting a pass down the left from fellow replacement Ramiz Zerrouki, Boulbina cut inside defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and drove a right-foot shot over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi off the underside of the cross-bar, according to local reports.
The win keeps Algeria’s record intact: the Fennec Foxes have never lost to DR Congo at the Cup of Nations. It also sets up a Saturday quarter-final in Marrakech against Nigeria, who routed Mozambique 4-0 on Monday. Official statements indicate DR Congo exit the tournament despite defending resolutely for nearly two hours.
The Leopards, already qualified for a March intercontinental play — off that could still send them to the 2026 World Cup, created the contest’s best early chance when Cédric Bakambu opted to shoot across goal instead of squaring to an unmarked teammate in the 24th minute. Algeria lost midfielder Ismaël Bennacer to injury early in the second half, yet continued to control possession. Mpasi denied Mohamed Amoura and Anis Hadj Moussa during normal time, then produced back-to-back saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the first period of extra time before Boulbina’s decisive strike.
Regional officials confirmed the match ended without further incident.
The tournament, hosted by Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, continues with quarter-final pairings to be completed this weekend. Further details are expected once the Confederation of African Football releases the official disciplinary and medical reports.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
