AFCON 2025: Boulbina’s Extra-Time Stunner Sends Algeria Past DR Congo to Face Nigeria

Algeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2019, edging DR Congo 1-0 after extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on Tuesday, January 6.

Vladimir Petkovic’s men were far from convincing, but substitute Adil Boulbina delivered a moment of brilliance in the 119th minute, smashing home a spectacular winner off the crossbar to seal a dramatic victory in Rabat.

The Fennecs will now lock horns with Nigeria at Marrakesh Stadium on Saturday, January 10, while the Leopards, fourth-place finishers in 2023 exit the tournament earlier than expected.

Nation-shaking. As powerful as its meaning. Boulbina. 🇩🇿#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/tODrpws1tK

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026

Cagey First Half

Algeria enjoyed slightly more possession before the break but rarely troubled Lionel Mpasi in goal. DR Congo looked sharper and nearly struck first on 25 minutes when Cedric Bakambu latched onto a long ball and fired wide, forcing Luca Zidane to palm away for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece, Axel Tuanzebe rose highest but headed inches past the left post. Bakambu had another chance soon after, nodding wide from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s delivery. Algeria’s only real effort came two minutes before half-time when Ibrahim Maza drove forward and shot well off target.

Second-Half Action

The game remained tight after the restart. Fares Chaibi missed a golden opportunity with a header on 53 minutes, while the first shot on target only arrived in the 74th minute, Edo Kayembe forcing Zidane into a smart save.

Mpasi was finally tested late on, denying Anis Hadj Moussam, Mohamed Amoura, and Maza in quick succession. Moussam squandered another chance on 86 minutes, firing straight at Mpasi from close range.

Extra time brought more drama as Chancel Mbemba’s error gifted Chaibi a sight of goal, but Mpasi produced a superb stop to keep DRC alive—until Boulbina’s decisive strike ended their hopes.

Match Summary

Algeria (0) (0) 1 – Boulbina (119’)
DR Congo 0

Algeria XI: L. Zidane; R. Belghali, A. Mandi, R. Bensebaini, R. Ait-Nouri (Z. Belaid 71’); H. Boudaoui (R. Zerrouki 113’), I. Bennacer (H. Abdelli 50’); F. Chaibi (A. Boulbina 113’), R. Mahrez (A. Moussa 71’), I. Maza (B. Bounedjah 83’); M. Amoura.

DR Congo XI: L. Mpasi; A. Wan-Bissaka, A. Tuanzebe, S. Moutoussamy (C. Pickel 110’), C. Mbemba; J. Kayembe, T. Bongonda (M. Balikwisha 87’), N. Mukau (G. Kakuta 70’); M. Elia (N. Mbuku 62’), N. Sadiki (E. Kayembe 70’), C. Bakambu (F. Mayele 87’).