Algeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in dramatic fashion after Adil Boulbina’s stunning 119th-minute strike secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over DR Congo in Rabat.
In a contest defined by tactical discipline, physical battles and defensive organisation, clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout the 90 minutes. DR Congo remained compact and resilient, frustrating the Desert Foxes with their structure and energy, while Algeria probed patiently in search of an opening.
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As the match stretched into extra time, tension gripped the stadium with the prospect of penalties drawing closer. However, Algeria found their breakthrough at the death.
Deep into the second period of extra time, Boulbina latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the area and unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner, leaving the Congolese goalkeeper with no chance and sending the Algerian bench into celebration.
The goal proved decisive, finally breaking DR Congo’s resistance after nearly two hours of disciplined defending. It was a moment of individual brilliance that underlined Algeria’s persistence and belief — qualities that have carried them through difficult moments at this year’s tournament.
For DR Congo, the defeat was a cruel ending to an otherwise admirable performance. They matched Algeria for long spells, defended with commitment and threatened on the counter-attack, but ultimately fell to a moment of quality in the dying seconds.
Algeria’s victory sets up a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, one of the tournament’s standout teams so far. Nigeria progressed from Group C with maximum points and have impressed with their balance, defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.
The upcoming clash promises to be one of the highlights of AFCON 2025 — a meeting of two continental heavyweights with contrasting styles and rich tournament pedigree. For Algeria, Boulbina’s late heroics could prove the spark that ignites a deep run, while Nigeria will look to maintain their momentum as they chase a fourth continental crown.
