Algeria edged past the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0 after extra time in a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 clash on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.
Substitute Adil Boulbina proved the hero, striking in the 119th minute to settle a tense encounter at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. Released down the left, the 22-year-old Al-Duhail forward surged into the penalty area before firing an unstoppable shot into the net, triggering wild celebrations among the 18,837 spectators.
Making only his second appearance off the bench at the tournament, Boulbina was visibly emotional after the final whistle.
“I have always dreamed of playing for the national team,” he said. “It is the ambition of every Algerian to represent their country and succeed. I took my chance, scored, and the most important thing is that we qualified.”
The 2019 champions, who cruised through the group stage with a perfect record, now look strong contenders to lift a third continental crown.
The defeat was a cruel blow for DR Congo, who had hoped to renew their rivalry with Nigeria after eliminating the Super Eagles on penalties in a World Cup qualifying play-off last November.
“We are obviously disappointed,” said DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre. “It was a high-level game between two very good teams. The players gave everything and fought until the end, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”
The match itself was cagey, with few clear-cut chances in the opening half. Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe headed narrowly wide from a corner for DR Congo, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza fired just past the post. Edo Kayembe tested goalkeeper Luca Zidane from distance after the break, but neither side could break the deadlock in normal time.
Algeria increased the pressure in extra time, with DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing excellent saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute. Just as penalties loomed, Ramiz Zerrouki’s precise through-ball released Boulbina, who calmly sealed the victory.
Nigeria cruise into quarter-finals
Nigeria, meanwhile, underlined their title credentials with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in Fes on Monday.
Victor Osimhen scored twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams were also on target as the Super Eagles booked their place in the last eight with ease. Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute and provided the assist for Osimhen’s first five minutes later. The Galatasaray striker added his second shortly after half-time before Adams completed the rout in the 75th minute, again set up by Lookman.
“It was a fantastic team performance,” Osimhen said. “We created chances, took them well, and this result gives us confidence going into the quarter-finals.”
The win represented Nigeria’s biggest margin of victory in an AFCON knockout match since Egypt’s 4–0 defeat of Algeria in the 2010 semi-finals. Mozambique, making their first knockout-stage appearance, struggled against a Nigerian side that reintroduced key players after rotating heavily during the group phase.
Nigeria and Algeria will now meet in Marrakesh on Saturday in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.
