Adil Boulbina scored a stunning long-range strike in the 118th minute of extra time as Algeria defeated DR Congo 1-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals in a tense encounter that was decided by a moment of individual brilliance.
The Algeria midfielder, who came off the bench in the 113th minute, unleashed a spectacular effort from outside the box deep into extra time to break Leopards’ hearts and send the Desert Foxes through to face Nigeria in Saturday’s quarter-final.
The match at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat was a cagey affair throughout, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances against well-organised defences. Algeria controlled 57.4 per cent of possession but found it difficult to break down DR Congo’s compact defensive structure.
Algeria, who won all three group matches and conceded just one goal, arrived as one of the tournament favourites. Coach Vladimir Petković’s side dominated possession in the opening exchanges but Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Burnley’s Chancel Mbemba marshalled the Leopards’ back line impressively.
Real Sociedad goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, was relatively untested throughout as DR Congo struggled to penetrate Algeria’s rearguard. The Leopards managed just two shots on target compared to Algeria’s six, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau making five saves to keep his side in the contest.
Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s captain and one of the tournament’s leading scorers with three goals, found little space to operate as DR Congo sat deep and closed passing lanes effectively. Inter Milan’s Mohamed Amoura and Wolfsburg’s Ibrahim Maza also struggled to make an impact in the final third.
The match appeared destined for a penalty shootout as both sides tired in extra time. However, Boulbina, who had replaced Baghdad Bounedjah in the 99th minute, had other ideas. With just seconds remaining on the clock, the midfielder collected possession 25 yards from goal and struck a powerful, dipping effort that flew past Mpasi-Nzau into the top corner.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Algeria’s players and supporters, whilst DR Congo’s players collapsed to the turf in devastation. For the Leopards, who drew all three group matches but progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, it was a cruel end to their tournament.
Algeria coach Petković praised his side’s patience and resilience afterwards, acknowledging that DR Congo had made life extremely difficult. The 2019 champions will now face Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday, with both teams seeking a place in the semi-finals.
For DR Congo, the defeat marks another near-miss in a tournament where they have shown promise but failed to deliver a significant result. The Leopards have not progressed beyond the quarter-finals since finishing third in 2015.
