Algeria’s forward #27 Adil Boulbina scores his team’s first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Algeria and Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
Algeria booked a dramatic place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging past the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0 in extra time on Tuesday night, sealing a mouth-watering last-eight meeting with Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.
The tightly contested round-of-16 encounter at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat appeared destined for penalties until substitute Adil Boulbina struck deep into extra time. The 22-year-old forward found the decisive moment in the 119th minute, firing home from the left side of the box to spark jubilant celebrations among the 18,837 spectators.
Boulbina, who plays his club football with Al-Duhail in Qatar, was making only his second substitute appearance of the tournament. Visibly emotional after the final whistle, he described the goal as a personal dream fulfilled.
“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.
The victory underlined Algeria’s growing status as serious title contenders. The 2019 champions, who swept aside all opponents in the group stage, are now chasing a third AFCON crown.
For DR Congo, however, the defeat was a painful end to a spirited campaign. The Leopards had hoped to set up a rematch with Nigeria, whom they defeated 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 coach Sebastien Desabre.
Despite the high stakes, clear-cut chances were scarce for long periods. Axel Tuanzebe came closest for DR Congo in the first half, heading narrowly wide from a corner, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza dragged a shot just past the post.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Edo Kayembe testing Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane from distance, but neither side could find a breakthrough, forcing the game into extra time.
Algeria began to assert more pressure as the clock ticked on. Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi produced superb saves to deny Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute, but the resistance finally cracked moments later. A well-weighted pass from Ramiz Zerrouki released Boulbina, who made no mistake to settle the contest.
Nigeria thrash Mozambique 4-0
Earlier, Nigeria underlined their own title credentials with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in Fes on Monday.
Victor Osimhen led the charge with two goals, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the net as the Super Eagles eased into the quarter-finals.
Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute and quickly turned provider five minutes later, setting up Osimhen’s first goal. The Galatasaray striker struck again shortly after the break to put the result beyond doubt, before Adams wrapped up the rout in the 75th minute, once 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,” Osimhen said.
The emphatic win was Nigeria’s biggest margin of victory in an AFCON knockout match since Egypt’s 4–0 triumph over Algeria in the semi-finals of the 2010 tournament.
Mozambique, featuring in the knockout stage for the first time, struggled to cope with a Nigerian side that reintroduced key players after rotating the squad during the group phase.
With both teams in confident mood, Saturday’s quarter-final showdown between Nigeria and Algeria in Marrakesh promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.
