Algerias dramatic late goal secures spot in 2025 AFCON quarterfinals

Algeria Advances to Quarterfinals with Extra-Time Win Over DR Congo

Algeria defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 tie, advancing to the quarterfinals on Tuesday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match went into extra time after neither team could score in regular play, with substitute Adil Boulbina scoring the winning goal in the 119th minute.

Boulbina, a forward who plays club football in Qatar, received a pass from Ramiz Zerrouki and unleashed a strike that found its way past Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The goal sparked celebrations among Algeria’s fans, who numbered around 18,837 at the stadium.

The match was closely contested, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but neither able to find the back of the net in regular play. In the first half, Axel Tuanzebe headed just wide from a corner for DR Congo, while Ibrahim Maza fired narrowly past the goal from the edge of the box for Algeria.

In the second half, Edo Kaymbe shot fizzed in from range that forced a good save from Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane. However, it was Algeria who began to dominate possession and create scoring chances in extra time, with Congolese goalkeeper Mpasi saving well from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah.

Algeria will now face Nigeria in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Marrakesh, while DR Congo will participate in an intercontinental playoff in March. The Algerian team has already secured a spot at the finals in North America and is focused on advancing to the final.

Source: Al Jazeera