Key Takeaways:
- Algeria secured a 1-0 victory over DR Congo after extra time at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat
- Adil Boulbina netted the decisive goal in the 119th minute following his late substitution
- Algeria will meet Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals on January 10
Match Overview
Algeria progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals after overcoming DR Congo 1-0 in a tense contest that required extra time to separate the sides. The match, held at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, featured limited opportunities as both teams prioritised defensive solidity. This tactical caution led to a goalless stalemate after ninety minutes.
FULL-TIME! 🇩🇿🇨🇩
Boulbina wins it for Algeria in the final minutes. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @tecnomobile pic.twitter.com/rgfIiBTnl9
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026
Decisive Moments in Extra Time
The breakthrough arrived just before the final whistle of extra time. In the 113th minute, Algeria’s head coach Vladimir Petković introduced Adil Boulbina, a decision that proved monumental. Boulbina provided the vital spark in the 119th minute, surging down the left flank and unleashing a thunderous strike from the edge of the penalty area. His effort found the space beneath the crossbar, beating the DR Congo goalkeeper and ensuring Algeria’s passage to the next round.
| Fixture | Venue | Result | Goal Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria v DR Congo | Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat | 1-0 (AET) | Adil Boulbina (119′) |
Quarterfinal Challenge Ahead
Having secured their place in the last eight, Algeria will face Nigeria in the quarterfinals, with the tie scheduled for January 10. Expectations are building as the North African side prepare to take on a formidable opponent in their next fixture.
