Algeria has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles. This follows a grueling 1-0 victory over DR Congo at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat on Tuesday night.
Neither side could find a breakthrough during regulation time of the game. The match remained deadlocked until the 119th minute, when 22-year-old Adil Boulbina struck a decisive blow to settle the contest and send the Algerian supporters into a frenzy.
Okay News reports that the game was a tactical battle dominated by strong defensive displays and high-tempo challenges. Algeria’s coach, Vladimir Petković, made a controversial decision by subbing off captain Riyad Mahrez in the 71st minute, a move that initially left the team lacking offensive spark.
However, the late introduction of fresh legs eventually paid off as Boulbina’s clinical finish spared both teams from a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
The victory ensures Algeria continues its unbeaten streak in the tournament as they prepare for the next stage of the competition.
For DR Congo, the defeat marks a heartbreaking end to their AFCON journey, despite a resilient performance that saw standout defensive efforts from players like Chancel Mbemba and Lionel M’Pasi.
