Algeria booked their place within the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in dramatic trend after Adil Boulbina’s beautiful 119th-minute strike secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over DR Congo in Rabat.
In a contest outlined by tactical self-discipline, bodily battles and defensive organisation, clear-cut possibilities had been at a premium all through the 90 minutes. DR Congo remained compact and resilient, irritating the Desert Foxes with their construction and vitality, whereas Algeria probed patiently searching for a gap.
Because the match stretched into further time, rigidity gripped the stadium with the prospect of penalties drawing nearer. Nonetheless, Algeria discovered their breakthrough on the loss of life.
Deep into the second interval of additional time, Boulbina latched onto a unfastened ball on the sting of the realm and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the highest nook, leaving the Congolese goalkeeper with no probability and sending the Algerian bench into celebration.
The purpose proved decisive, lastly breaking DR Congo’s resistance after practically two hours of disciplined defending. It was a second of particular person brilliance that underlined Algeria’s persistence and perception — qualities which have carried them by way of tough moments at this yr’s match.
For DR Congo, the defeat was a merciless ending to an in any other case admirable efficiency. They matched Algeria for lengthy spells, defended with dedication and threatened on the counter-attack, however finally fell to a second of high quality within the dying seconds.
Algeria’s victory units up a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown towards the Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria, one of many match’s standout groups to date. Nigeria progressed from Group C with most factors and have impressed with their steadiness, defensive solidity and attacking effectivity.
The upcoming conflict guarantees to be one of many highlights of AFCON 2025 — a gathering of two continental heavyweights with contrasting kinds and wealthy match pedigree. For Algeria, Boulbina’s late heroics might show the spark that ignites a deep run, whereas Nigeria will look to take care of their momentum as they chase a fourth continental crown.
