AFCON 2025: Super-sub Boulbina’s late strike fires Algeria into last eight
Strike
By Victor Okoye
Fès (Morocco), Jan. 6, 2026 (NAN) Substitute Adil Boulbina scored in the 118th minute to send Algeria into the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals with a 1–0 win over DR Congo.
Algeria and DR Congo were locked at 0–0 after regulation time in Rabat, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tense and physical contest.
With penalties looming, Boulbina made the difference minutes after coming on, curling a superb right-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
The goal finally separated two disciplined teams who showed organisation and resilience through 90 minutes and much of extra time.
Algeria enjoyed early possession but found clear chances hard to come by against a compact Congolese defence.
DR Congo threatened on the counter, with Cedric Bakambu forcing Luca Zidane into a fine save and later heading narrowly wide.
Algeria responded through Ibrahim Maza before halftime, but his low drive drifted just off target.
The second half followed a similar rhythm, with Mohamed Amoura missing a clear chance and Zineddine Belaid denying Fiston Mayele at close range.
In extra time, Mpasi-Nzau produced superb saves to frustrate Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah.
Boulbina’s late moment of brilliance eventually broke Congolese resistance and sparked wild celebrations among Algerian supporters.
Boulbina was ajudged the Man-of-the-Match as he made an instant impact off the bench, showing composure, confidence and quality when it mattered most to decide a finely balanced contest.
His late goal underlined Algeria’s depth and proved decisive in sending Les Fennecs into the last eight.
“First of all, thank God. Congratulations to Algeria and to the fans.
“I came on late and scored, but it was a collective effort. It is not about me.
“It is a great feeling for the team, and we will keep pushing in this tournament,” Boulbina said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Algeria will now face Nigeria in the quarter-finals in Marrakech on Saturday as their title push gathers momentum.
Boulbina made an instant impact off the bench, showing composure, confidence and quality when it mattered most to decide a finely balanced contest.
His late goal underlined Algeria’s depth and proved decisive in sending Les Fennecs into the last eight.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VO/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani