AFCON: Boulbina’s extra time strike sends Algeria to quarterfinals

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 (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco.

The Congolese continued to rely on their strong defense and successfully kept the match close with few scoring opportunities throughout. Algeria controlled the ball more but DRC defender Axel Tuanzebe came closest to opening the scoring when he headed wide from a Théo Bongonda corner kick in the 26th minute.

Algeria were a bit more threatening after halftime but it was more of the same with Les Verts coming up against a Congolese wall. Star playmaker Riyad Mahrez failed to make an impact and Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic attempted to add pace to his attack by taking off Mahrez for Anis Hadj Moussa.

The substitute winger had a chance to shoot on goal after DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi spilled a corner kick but the shot stopper redeemed himself by doing enough to keep the match scoreless. A late push from the North Africans failed to unlock the stubborn Leopards defense.

Extra time appeared to be more of the same. Mpasi did well to produce two saves in quick succession on shot attempts from Farès Chaïbi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute. But the Leopards goalkeeper had no chance when Boulbina collected Ramiz Zerrouki’s pass on the left wing in the 119th minute, cut inside and blasted his shot in off the crossbar.

Algeria advance to the quarterfinals and will face Nigeria on Saturday in Marrakech.