ALGERIA SECURE EXTRA-TIME VICTORY OVER DR CONGO TO BOOK QUARTER-FINAL MEETING WITH NIGERIA

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Algeria advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after edging the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0 in their last-16 encounter on Tuesday, with substitute Adil Boulbina scoring the decisive goal in extra time.

A dramatic late goal from substitute Adil Boulbina in the 119th minute decided a tense Africa Cup of Nations last-16 match at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The 22-year-old Al-Duhail forward broke free on the left, drove into the penalty area, and fired a powerful shot into the net, sending the 18,837 spectators into jubilant celebrations.

Making only his second appearance off the bench in the tournament, Boulbina was visibly emotional after the match.

“I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. Every Algerian aspires to represent their country and perform well. I got my chance, scored, and most importantly, we won and advanced to the next round,” he said.

The 2019 champions, who swept all their group-stage matches, now look poised to contend for a third Africa Cup of Nations title.

The result, however, was a setback for DR Congo, who had hoped for a quarter-final clash with Nigeria after overcoming the Super Eagles on penalties in a World Cup qualifying play-off last November.

“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome. It was a top-level game between two very strong sides. The players gave their all, and we fought until the end, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough,” said DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre.

The match struggled to live up to expectations, with few clear-cut opportunities in the first half. DR Congo’s Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe headed just wide from a corner, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza narrowly missed the target.

In the second half, Edo Kayembe tested Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane with a long-range strike, but the score remained 0-0, sending the game into extra time.

Algeria grew increasingly dangerous in the added period, with Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi making crucial saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute. A decisive goal seemed unlikely until Ramiz Zerrouki delivered a precise pass to Boulbina, who converted to seal Algeria’s victory.

Meanwhile, Nigeria maintained their commanding form in Morocco with a convincing 4-0 win over Mozambique in Fes on Monday.

Victor Osimhen netted twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the back of the net, ensuring the Super Eagles advanced comfortably to the quarter-finals.

Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute and then set up Osimhen’s first goal five minutes later. The Galatasaray striker doubled the lead shortly after the break, and Adams capped the emphatic victory in the 75th minute, assisted once again by Lookman.

“It was a fantastic team performance. We created chances and finished them, and this win gives us great momentum heading into the quarter-finals,” said a jubilant Osimhen.

The 4-0 victory marked the largest winning margin in an Africa Cup of Nations knockout match since Egypt defeated Algeria by the same score in the 2010 semi-finals.

Mozambique, making their debut in the tournament’s knockout stage, were outclassed by a rejuvenated Nigerian side that reintroduced key players like Lookman after rotating the squad during the group phase.

Nigeria will now meet Algeria in Marrakesh on Saturday, setting the stage for a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown.