CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Algeria 0 – 0 Congo DR (AET)
Adil Boulbina (number 27) scored a crucial goal in a tense last-16 match, which appeared likely to end in a penalty shootout. [Getty Images]
Adil Boulbina’s dramatic goal in extra time secured a place in the quarter-finals for Algeria in a hard-fought match against DR Congo during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Substitute Ramiz Zerrouki set up Boulbina, who sprinted past a fatigued Aaron Wan-Bissaka, cut inside, and fired a powerful right-footed shot over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and into the net, hitting the underside of the crossbar for the game’s only goal.
This result means DR Congo continues to search for their first victory over Algeria, a bitter pill for the Central African team after a valiant effort that seemed headed for penalties before Boulbina’s late strike.
Despite limited scoring opportunities for both teams, Zinedine Zidane, in attendance, watched his son Luca achieve a fourth clean sheet in this tournament for Algeria.
With a solid defense, the 2019 Afcon champions are optimistic about facing Nigeria, their next opponents in Marrakesh on Saturday (16:00 GMT).
Algeria Fans Rally Behind Their Team
The DR Congo side, led by French coach Sebastien Desabre, entered this match with high aspirations, believing that 2026 could be a breakthrough year.
Having triumphed in November’s World Cup play-offs against Cameroon and Nigeria, the Leopards are just one win away from qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they were known as Zaire.
However, hopes of Afcon success will not materialize for Desabre and his squad, who finished fourth in the last tournament in Ivory Coast.
The early moments at Stade Moulay El Hassan were marred by referee Mohamed Eid Mansour’s frequent interruptions, though he was lenient with his card usage for numerous borderline fouls.
In a lively atmosphere action, dominated by the green and white of Algeria, the first big reaction came 20 minutes in when former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba nearly scored an own goal, sending the ball just past the post after a low cross from Rafik Belghali, who was pushing forward effectively from defense to support Riyad Mahrez on the right flank.
Just four minutes later, striker Cedric Bakambu won a header at midfield but made the wrong choice by shooting across goal instead of assisting a team-mate, leading to a corner from which Axel Tuanzebe’s header narrowly missed.
Algeria faced a setback early in the second half when midfielder Ismael Bennacer had to leave the field due to injury. Consequently, both coaches made several substitutions, trying to find the key to break the deadlock.
This included replacing acclaimed Premier League star Mahrez, Algeria’s all-time top Afcon scorer with nine goals, although his substitute Anis Hadj Moussa couldn’t make a significant contribution except for a single strong attempt saved by Mpasi.
Mpasi also thwarted Mohamed Amoura, Africa’s World Cup qualifying top scorer, who failed to angle his shot correctly after outpacing captain Mbemba.
The match went to extra time following a brilliant defensive header from Zineddine Belaid, who denied Fiston Mayele a chance to clinch the win in the 91st minute.
World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane and his wife Veronique have consistently attended Afcon 2025 to support their son Luca in action for Algeria. [Getty Images]
As extra time proceeded and penalties loomed, Mpasi made two key saves in rapid succession, diving to his right to stop both Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah’s attempts.
However, he had no chance against Boulbina’s stunning goal, a finish that could win any match.
After struggling to progress past the group stages in their previous two Afcon outings, Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic, who previously led Switzerland to Euro 2020’s quarters, appears to have found the right mix of creativity and defensive resilience in this talented North African squad.
With their passionate supporters rallying behind them, Algeria will be determined to achieve victory on Moroccan soil and challenge their long-time rivals.
Algeria is one of just two teams in this tournament to emerge from the group stage with a perfect record, the other being Nigeria, who severely defeated Mozambique 4-0 in their last-16 match, tallying 12 goals in the tournament thus far.
After a tough win against the Congolese, Algeria must maintain their determined defense in Marrakesh.