Adil Boulbina struck late in extra-time as Algeria booked their spot in the 2025 African Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo, SportPremi Reports.
The keenly contested affair ended with no goal scored in normal time and needed extra-time to determine the winner.
With penalties lurking in the clash, the Desert Warriors snatched victory at the death to progress into the last eight where they will now face Nigeria for a spot in the semifinals.
Algeria book last eight spot with late strike
Both sides finished with an unbeaten record during the group stage, but Algeria had topped Group E with a 100% record, while DR Congo narrowly missed out on top spot in Group D to Senegal.
Nigeria, who had thrashed Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 on Monday night, had booked a quarterfinal berth against the winner of this clash.
The game started at a slow pace, but DR Congo had the first real chance of the game as Cedric Bakambu was denied by Luca Zidane.
Axel Tuanzebe then headed over from the resulting corner kick as the first half ended goalless with both sides creating very little scoring chances.
DR Congo started the second half brightly and Mbemba almost broke the deadlock, but his effort was blocked by Boudaoui, before Amoura’s effort for Algeria was saved by Lionel Mpasi.
The Leopards almost snatched the win in the dying minutes of the clash as Mayele’s goal-bound header was deflected away from goal by Abdelli, sending the clash into extra-time.
Algeria began to dominate and were unlucky not to score in first half of extra-time when Bansebaini headed straight at Mpasi.
The DR Congo goalkeeper then saved from Chaibi, before denying Bounedjah’s effort from the follow up.
The Leopards then threatened, but Mbuku’s effort was deflected into the path of Zidane as rhe scoreline remained goalless.
Algeria finally broke the deadlock in the 119th minute as two extra-time substitutes combined to give them the goal. Boulbina combined with Zerrouki before driving an unstoppable effort into the top corner.
The late goal proved to be the winner as the Desert Warriors marched on to the last eight, while DR Congo suffered a heartbreaking exit from the tournament.
Players Ratings:
Algeria Players Ratings
- Zidane – 7.9/10
- Belghali – 6.7/10
- Mandi – 7.5/10
- Bensebaini – 7.6/10
- Ait Nouri – 7.0/10
- Boudaoui – 7.7/10
- Bennacer – 6.7/10
- Chaibi – 6.8/10
- Mahrez – 6.7/10
- Maza – 6.1/10
- Amoura – 7.1/10
Substitutes
- Abdelli – 7.2/10
- Belaid – 6.6/10
- Moussa – 6.3/10
- Bounedjah – 6.4/10
- Boulbina – 7.0/10
- Zerrouki – 7.0/10
DR Congo Players Ratings
- Mpasi-Nzau – 7.1/10
- Ditu – 7.2/10
- Tuanzebe – 6.8/10
- Mbemba – 7.2/10
- Wan-Bissaka – 6.4/10
- Moutoussamy – 7.2/10
- Elia – 6.2/10
- Sadiki – 6.4/10
- Mukau – 6.0/10
- Bongonda – 6.8/10
- Bakambu – 6.2/10
Substitutes
- Mbuku – 6.6/10
- Kakuta – 5.7/10
- Kayembe – 6.2/10
- Mayele – 5.8/10
- Balikwisha – 6.5/10
- Pickel – 6.4/10
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Algeria 57% – 43% DR Congo
Total Shots: Algeria 12 – 6 DR Congo
Shots on target: Algeria 6 – 2 DR Congo
Pass Accuracy: Algeria 85% – 84% DR Congo
Corners: Algeria 4 – 6 DR Congo
What Next?
Algeria will now face Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON quarterfinals in Marrakesh next Saturday, with a spot in the final four of the competition on the line.
