Boulbina sends Algeria to Africa Cup quarterfinals with last-gasp extra time winner over Congo

Key Points

• Substitute Adil Boulbina scored in the 118th-119th minute to send Algeria into the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals [web:1][web:2]
• Algeria defeated DR Congo 1-0 after extra time in the Round of 16 match held in Rabat, Morocco [web:1][web:2]
• The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the contest into extra time [web:1][web:2]
• Boulbina curled a brilliant strike past DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau to break the deadlock [web:1][web:2]
• Algeria will face Nigeria in the quarterfinals in Marrakesh on Saturday [web:4][web:5]
• DR Congo's goalkeeper Mpasi made two crucial saves in extra time before the winning goal [web:1][web:2]
• Algeria dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to create clear-cut chances [web:2][web:6]
• The 2019 African champions have now won all five matches at AFCON 2025 [web:4]

Inverted Pyramid Structure

What happened in the Algeria versus DR Congo match?

As reported by the CAF (Confederation of African Football) official website, substitute Adil Boulbina struck a decisive blow in the 118th minute, scoring a brilliant curling strike to send Algeria into the quarterfinal of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 with a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Rabat [web:1]. According to BeIN Sports coverage, Boulbina's 119th-minute strike broke DR Congo hearts as he cut inside Aaron Wan-Bissaka and fired into the top-right corner, booking Algeria's last eight tie with Nigeria in the process [web:2].

How did the match unfold before the dramatic finish?

As documented by English Ahram, the game at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat was edging towards a penalty shoot-out when Boulbina was released on the left in the 119th minute and advanced into the area before unleashing a vicious strike into the net [web:4]. The match remained goalless after 90 minutes of regular time, with both Algeria and DR Congo creating limited opportunities. According to BeIN Sports, Algeria enjoyed 58.9 per cent of possession in the first half, but it was DR Congo who almost went ahead when Cedric Bakambu showed great tenacity to create a chance for himself, which was tipped around the post by Luca Zidane, with Axel Tuanzebe heading narrowly wide from the resulting corner [web:2].

What were the key moments in the first half?

As reported by Pan Africa Football, Axel Tuanzebe came closest to opening the scoring when he headed wide from a Théo Bongonda corner kick in the 26th minute [web:5]. Ibrahim Maza registered Algeria's first attempt in the 42nd minute, dragging wide of the right post from the edge of the box, as they failed to make the most of their continued possession before the break, according to BeIN Sports [web:2]. The opening period was described as a rather drab affair by FlashScore, with both teams seemingly terrified of opening up as they looked to continue their progression in the tournament [web:6].

How did the second half develop?

According to FlashScore, after the break, it was DR Congo who appeared to seize the initiative, ramping up the pressure on the Algeria goal as they sought to snatch the win in regulation time [web:6]. An opportunity fell the way of Chancel Mbemba inside the area after the Algerians failed to clear a corner, but a heroic block from Hicham Boudaoui kept the scores level, the source noted [web:6]. BeIN Sports reported that it was another cagey start in the second half, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances, and the first shot on goal after half-time came through Edo Kayembe, whose strike from distance was comfortably saved by Zidane [web:2].

What happened as the match approached full-time?

As documented by English Ahram, Algeria found some rhythm in the closing stages, with Mohammed Amoura and Anis Hadj Moussa testing the goalkeeper, but it was a vital intervention from Zineddine Belaid at the other end which prevented DR Congo from snatching a stoppage-time winner [web:4]. According to BeIN Sports, Anis Hadj-Moussa had one of the Greens' few sightings of goal, but even then his tame effort was easily gathered by Lionel Mpasi [web:2]. FlashScore reported that the match drifted to extra time with neither side able to break the deadlock [web:6].

What transpired during the extra-time period before Boulbina's goal?

As reported by the CAF official website, the game seemed to be headed to penalties in a goalless stalemate after 90 minutes and the additional 30 minutes of extra time [web:1]. According to English Ahram, Lionel Mpasi made two crucial saves in extra time to deny both Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah at his near post [web:4]. BeIN Sports documented that Mpasi was called into action repeatedly, producing two outstanding saves from close range to deny Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute [web:2]. FlashScore noted that Algeria did up the ante slightly during the additional 30 minutes and almost struck a crushing blow to DR Congo when Baghdad Bounedjah burst into the area and flashed a left-footed effort narrowly wide of the target [web:6].

How did Boulbina score the winning goal?

As stated by the CAF official website, Boulbina, who had come on in the 113th minute for Fares Chaibi, had the final say in sublime fashion, cutting in to the right to step away from his marker before curling a beauty of a strike past keeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau [web:1]. According to Pan Africa Football, Boulbina collected Ramiz Zerrouki's pass on the left wing in the 119th minute, cut inside and blasted his shot in off the crossbar [web:5]. BeIN Sports reported that Boulbina cut inside Aaron Wan-Bissaka and fired into the top-right corner with a minute remaining [web:2]. FlashScore described it as an absolute rocket into the far corner that broke DR Congo hearts, preventing Les Leopards from playing in successive AFCON quarterfinals [web:6].

What is the significance of Boulbina's goal for Algeria?

As reported by English Ahram, the moment of magic sparked wild celebrations within the ground, with the majority of the 18,837 fans in attendance backing Algeria [web:4]. The CAF official website noted that the breakthrough finally came in the 118th minute, with Boulbina curling a brilliant strike to break the Congolese hearts and lift the Algerian spirits in the stand [web:1]. According to Pan Africa Football, substitute forward Adil Boulbina sent Algeria's supporters into delirium with a match winner at the end of extra time as Les Verts advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [web:5].

Who is Adil Boulbina and what is his background?

According to English Ahram, Boulbina is a forward who plays club football in Qatar, specifically for Al Duhail [web:4]. The CAF official website described him as the Al Duhail forward who struck a sucker punch in the 118th minute, scoring a beauty of a goal [web:1]. BeIN Sports noted that Boulbina came on as a substitute in the 113th minute before scoring the decisive goal [web:2]. His impact as a substitute proved decisive in one of the tournament's most dramatic moments.

What are Algeria's prospects moving forward?

As documented by English Ahram, the 2019 champions, who won all their group games, are looking like serious contenders to win a third continental title [web:4]. According to the CAF official website, Algeria will now face Nigeria in the quarter finals in Marrakesh [web:1]. Pan Africa Football reported that Algeria advance to the quarterfinals and will face Nigeria on Saturday in Marrakech [web:5]. This quarterfinal clash against Nigeria represents a significant test for the Algerian side as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.

What was DR Congo's performance in the match?

As reported by Pan Africa Football, the Congolese continued to rely on their strong defence and successfully kept the match close with few scoring opportunities throughout [web:5]. According to BeIN Sports, despite managing much less possession than Algeria in the first half, DR Congo created the first two openings [web:2]. FlashScore noted that DR Congo had some of the better chances during the second half, with Edo Kayembe's wicked drive from distance needing gathering by Zidane [web:6]. The loss represents a heartbreaking exit for the Democratic Republic of Congo, who came close to advancing to the quarterfinals.

How did goalkeeper Luca Zidane perform for Algeria?

According to BeIN Sports, Luca Zidane made crucial saves throughout the match, including smothering Cedric Bakambu's low shot in the 25th minute for a corner [web:2]. The Algerian goalkeeper was called upon repeatedly to keep his side in the game, demonstrating solid performances when required. His contributions were vital in maintaining Algeria's defensive shape throughout the contest.

What was the match atmosphere like at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium?

As reported by English Ahram, the match was played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat with 18,837 fans in attendance [web:4]. The moment of Boulbina's goal sparked wild celebrations within the ground, with the majority of the fans backing Algeria, according to the same source [web:4]. The atmosphere reflected the intensity and drama of a Round of 16 encounter at the continental championship.

How does this victory impact Algeria's AFCON 2025 campaign?

As noted by English Ahram, Algeria, the 2019 champions who won all their group games, are now looking like serious contenders to win a third continental title [web:4]. The dramatic victory over DR Congo has maintained their unbeaten run at the tournament. According to the CAF official website, Algeria have now progressed to the quarterfinals where they will face Nigeria, setting up a compelling clash between two of Africa's football powerhouses.