Sometimes tournaments turn on a single swing of the boot. In Rabat on Monday night, that decisive moment belonged to Adil Boulbina.
The substitute’s extra-time strike finally cracked a stubborn DR Congo defence and sent Algeria national football team into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a hard-earned 1–0 victory.
A Match Of Patience And Physicality
For long stretches, this last-16 clash at the Moulay Hassan Stadium felt like a chess match played at full sprint. Algeria controlled possession, moving the ball with confidence but rarely finding space between the lines. DR Congo, meanwhile, looked dangerous every time they broke forward, carrying the sharper edge on the counter.
Cedric Bakambu came closest to opening the scoring in the first half, forcing a strong save from Luca Zidane before Axel Tuanzebe narrowly missed from a corner. It was a warning sign that the Leopards were not in Rabat just to defend.
Goalkeepers Take Centre Stage
As the match wore on, both goalkeepers grew in stature. Lionel Mpasi-Nzau produced a string of saves to deny Anis Hadj Moussam, Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza as Algeria pushed harder after the break. At the other end, Zidane reacted sharply to keep out Edo Kayembe as DR Congo searched for a late winner of their own.
By the time extra time arrived, fatigue was visible across the pitch. A rare mistake from Chancel Mbemba nearly proved costly, but Mpasi-Nzau once again came to his side’s rescue, seemingly steering the game toward penalties.
Boulbina’s Moment Of Inspiration
Then came the moment that will live long in Algerian AFCON folklore. Introduced from the bench, Boulbina cut inside from the right and curled a stunning effort that kissed the crossbar before settling in the net. It was ruthless, precise, and perfectly timed.
Social media lit up instantly, with Algerian fans praising coach Vladimir Petkovic’s impact from the bench and hailing Boulbina as a new hero in green. For a nation still chasing the standards set by the 2019 champions, it felt like a symbolic step forward.
What The Result Means
The win sends Algeria into the AFCON quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2019, setting up a mouth-watering showdown against Nigeria national football team in Marrakesh on Saturday, January 10.
For DR Congo national football team, it is a painful exit. After finishing fourth at the previous tournament, they leave this edition earlier than hoped, but with plenty of pride after pushing one of Africa’s heavyweights all the way to the brink.
In the end, AFCON once again proved its favourite rule. Stay alive long enough, and one flash of brilliance can change everything.
Source: SABC Sport
Featured Image Source: Algeria FC on X
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