Algeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after a tense 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in their last-16 encounter on Tuesday, paving the way for a high-profile showdown with Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.
The decisive moment arrived deep into extra time when substitute Adil Boulbina struck in the 119th minute to break the deadlock at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The contest had been finely balanced until the late breakthrough finally separated the two sides.
Finding space down the left flank, the 22-year-old forward, who currently plies his trade with Al-Duhail in Qatar, drove into the penalty area and fired a powerful effort beyond the goalkeeper. The goal triggered jubilant scenes among the 18,837 supporters inside the stadium as Algeria sealed qualification in dramatic fashion.
Boulbina, who was making only his second substitute appearance of the tournament, struggled to contain his emotions after the final whistle.
“I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. It is the ambition of every Algerian to play for their country and do well. I had my chance and scored, and the most important thing is that we won and qualified for the next round,” he said.
Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)
The 2019 champions, who emerged flawless from the group stage by winning all their matches, are now increasingly viewed as serious contenders for a third AFCON crown.
For DR Congo, the defeat proved especially painful. The Leopards had hoped for another meeting with Nigeria, having eliminated the Super Eagles on penalties in a World Cup qualifying play-off last November.
“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome. I thought it was a top-level game between two really good sides. The players gave everything. We fought to the end, but unfortunately, it was not enough,” said DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre.
Despite the high stakes, the match struggled to ignite in the opening half, with clear-cut chances at a premium. Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe came closest for DR Congo when his header from a corner drifted narrowly wide, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza saw his effort flash just past the post.
After the break, DR Congo showed more attacking intent as Edo Kayembe forced Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane into action with a long-range strike. However, neither side could find a breakthrough in normal time, pushing the tie into extra time.
Algeria began to apply sustained pressure in the additional period, with Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing impressive saves to deny Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute. Just as penalties appeared inevitable, Ramiz Zerrouki threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Boulbina, who made no mistake to secure victory.
Meanwhile, Nigeria underlined their credentials as tournament heavyweights with a commanding 4-0 win over Mozambique in Fes on Monday.
Osimhen netted twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the back of the net as the Super Eagles cruised into the last eight.
Lookman broke the deadlock after 20 minutes and quickly turned provider five minutes later to set up Osimhen’s first goal. The Galatasaray forward added his second shortly after the restart, before Adams completed the rout in the 75th minute, again assisted by Lookman.
“It was a fantastic team performance. We created chances and finished them, and the victory gives us momentum heading into the quarter-finals,” said a delighted Osimhen.
The emphatic scoreline represented the biggest winning margin in an AFCON knockout match since Egypt’s 4-0 triumph over Algeria in the 2010 semi-finals.
Mozambique, featuring in the knockout stages for the first time, were unable to cope with a Nigerian side that brought back key figures such as Lookman after squad rotation during the group phase.
Nigeria and Algeria will now meet in Marrakesh on Saturday in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final fixtures of the tournament.
What you should know
Algeria’s narrow win over DR Congo highlighted their resilience and depth, with a late substitute once again proving decisive at AFCON.
Having dominated the group stage, the Desert Foxes are showing signs of a team built for tournament football. Nigeria, on the other hand, look increasingly dangerous in attack, led by Victor Osimhen and supported by in-form creators like Ademola Lookman. Their comprehensive victory over Mozambique sent a strong message to rivals.
The upcoming quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria brings together two former champions and sets the stage for a clash that could shape the outcome of the competition.
