25LFWM
RABAT, Morocco — Adil Boulbina scored in the 118th minute to send Algeria into the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over DR Congo.
Boulbina, who had come off the bench just five minutes earlier, cut inside from the right and curled a precise shot beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, who had kept DR Congo level with a string of key saves throughout the match.
The decisive goal came after a tense, goalless 90 minutes and early extra time, as both sides canceled each other out in a contest marked by discipline, physicality and missed opportunities.
Algeria started the match on the front foot, controlling possession early but struggling to break down a well-organized Congolese defense. Despite sustained pressure, Mpasi-Nzau was rarely tested in the opening exchanges.
DR Congo threatened on the counter. Cedric Bakambu forced a sharp save from Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane midway through the first half, and Axel Tuanzebe’s header from the ensuing corner went narrowly wide. Bakambu later came close again, heading just past the post from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross.
Algeria responded before halftime when Ibrahim Maza surged forward on the break, but his low shot missed the target by inches.
The second half mirrored the first, with Algeria probing and DR Congo posing sporadic counterattacks. Mohamed Amoura wasted a golden opportunity with 12 minutes remaining, failing to beat Mpasi-Nzau, while Zineddine Belaid made a crucial block to deny Fiston Mayele at close range.
As fatigue set in during extra time, the intensity of play increased. Mpasi-Nzau produced two outstanding saves to deny Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah, appearing to push the match toward a penalty shootout.
Boulbina’s late strike, however, ended all suspense and sparked celebrations among the Algerian players and fans.
Algeria will face Nigeria in the quarterfinals in Marrakesh, keeping their hopes alive for a second AFCON title in six years.
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