A stunning extra-time equaliser from Adil Boulbina secured a narrow 1-0 victory for Algeria against D.R Congo on Tuesday evening, ensuring that they booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Round of 16 fixture played at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan produced a close contest with the two national teams struggling to break down the defense of the other.
D.R Congo came close to scoring in the 26th minute when Cedric Bakambu’s attempt from a tight space was well-saved by Luca Zidane in the post for Algeria.
A minute later, Axel Tuanzebe rose high to meet a cross from the corner kick and planted a header from inside the penalty area. His goal attempt missed the goal post marginally.
Although Riyad Mahrez and his Algerian teammates would enjoy a good share of the possession, they struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities in the first half.
After recess, the North Africans improved their attacking play after a number of substitutions. Even with that, they failed to capitalise on any of the half-chances and had to settle for a draw at the end of the 90 minutes.
In the extra time, D.R Congo came under pressure on several occasions, a situation that called goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau into action in the last 10 minutes of the game.
Although he managed to pull off some amazing saves, he was beaten by Adil Boulbina, who produced a moment of magic in the final minutes of the game.
After receiving a through ball from the edge of the D.R Congo box, the youngster cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a scortcher that flew into the back of the net to win the game for Algeria.
Now into the quarter-finals, Algeria will face Nigeria in what would be a tough contest.
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