Algeria defeated Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) by a lone goal in extra time in the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Round of 16 match on Tuesday 6 January, 2026 in Rabat to set up a quarter finals clash against Nigeria on Saturday.
A powerful strike by substitute Adil Boulbina far in extra time put an end to a tense match as Desert Warriors scaled through the Leopards 1-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 tie.
The game at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium was moving close to a penalty shootout when Boulbina, a forward who plays club football in Qatar, was unleashed on the left in the 119th minute and advanced into the area before firing a thunderous strike into the net.
The goal ignited heavy jubilations right inside the stadium, with the huge number of the more than 18,000 fans in attendance supporting Algeria.
Algeria, 2019 Winners, who emerged victorious in all their Group matches and looking like they are serious contenders for the AFCON 2025, will now lock horns with a Nigeria side loaded with global stars like, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
The result, a definitely painful one for the Leopards, who probably had been hoping to meet the Super Eagles again after defeating Nigeria in a penalty shootout in the FIFA World Cup qualifying Play-off in November, 2025.
Algeria had been the side mounting more pressure with Lionel Mpasi, DR Congo goalkeeper, forced to save quick succession efforts from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah deep in extra time.
Photo: Algeria’s forward Adil Boulbina fires the winner for his side against DR Congo in Rabat | Gabriel Bouys/AFP
