In their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 tie on Tuesday, Algeria defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0, setting up a quarter-final showdown with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen on Saturday.
A tense encounter at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium was settled by a late goal by substitute Adil Boulbina in the 119th minute.
The 22-year-old Al-Duhail international forward, who is released on the left, advanced into the area and unleashed a powerful shot into the net, causing 837 of the 18, 837 spectators to erupt in a flurry of cheers.
Boulbina, who was playing off the bench for the tournament for the second time, was overcome with emotion following the game.
“I have always wanted to play for the country,” I said. Every Algerian has the goal of playing for their country and succeeding. The most crucial thing is that we won and were selected for the following round, he said, knowing that I had a chance and scored.
On January 6, 2026, Rabat Stadium. (Sebastien Bozon/AFP photo)
The 2019 champions, who won all of their group-stage matches, now appear to be strong contenders for a third continental title.
However, DR Congo’s victory came as a bitter blow to the country’s aspiring World Cup qualifier, which had intended to face Nigeria after winning on penalties in a November play-off.
“The outcome obviously detracts us. I thought it was a top-notch encounter between two excellent rivals. The players provided everything. Unfortunately, our fight to the end was insufficient, according to DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre.
With few clear chances in the first half, the match itself did not live up to its name. Ibrahim Maza fired a narrow header past the goal, while Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe headed just wide from a corner for DR Congo.
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane was put on by Edo Kayembe with a long-range effort in the second half, but the score remained goalless, preventing extra time.
Algeria’s threat increased in the extra-time period, with Lionel Mpasi’s goalkeeper making some excellent saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute. Before Ramiz Zerrouki released Boulbina with a precise pass, a winning goal appeared unattainable for the substitute.
Victory of Nigeria vs. Mozambique
In Fes on Monday, Nigeria defeated Mozambique 4-0, continuing their dominant run in Morocco.
Victor Osimhen scored twice, and Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams each added one more goal to ease Super Eagles’ passage to the last eight.
After 20 minutes, Lookman opened the scoring before scoring Osimhen’s first goal in the 25th minute.
The Galatasaray striker doubled the lead just before half-time, and Lookman, who assisted with the assist, sealed the win decisively in the 75th minute.
“A fantastic team effort was made.” The victory gives us momentum heading into the quarter-finals, said a delighted Osimhen, who created chances and finished them.
Since Egypt defeated Algeria by the same score in the same AFCON knockout match in 2010, the 4-0 result was the largest winning margin in the tie.
Mozambique lost to a much-changed Nigerian side that had previously introduced key players like Lookman after the group stage rotation.
