AFCON:Late Show In Rabat As Algeria Set Up Quarterfinal Clash with Nigeria

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By Sedara Philip

Substitute forward Adil Boulbina delivered a dramatic extra-time winner to propel Algeria into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), edging past DR Congo 1-0 in a tense encounter in Rabat, Morocco.

The decisive moment came deep into extra time, sending Algerian supporters into wild celebrations after a match dominated by tactical discipline and defensive resilience.

DR Congo, true to form, relied heavily on a well-organised backline and successfully restricted Algeria to limited clear-cut chances. Although Les Verts enjoyed greater possession, opportunities were scarce. The Congolese came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when defender Axel Tuanzebe headed narrowly wide from a Théo Bongonda corner.

Algeria increased the tempo after the break but continued to struggle against a resolute Leopards defence. Influential playmaker Riyad Mahrez endured a quiet outing and was eventually withdrawn as head coach Vladimir Petković sought fresh impetus by introducing Anis Hadj Moussa.

The substitute winger nearly made an immediate impact when DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi spilled a corner kick, but the shot-stopper quickly redeemed himself to keep the contest goalless. A late surge from the North Africans still failed to unlock the Congolese resistance as the match headed into extra time.

Extra time followed a similar pattern, with Algeria pressing and DR Congo holding firm. Mpasi produced two excellent saves in quick succession in the 111th minute to deny efforts from Farès Chaïbi and Baghdad Bounedjah. However, his resistance was finally broken in the 119th minute when Boulbina collected a pass from Ramiz Zerrouki, cut inside from the left and thundered a shot off the crossbar and into the net.

The late strike sealed Algeria’s place in the quarterfinals, where Les Verts will face Nigeria on Saturday in Marrakech.