Boulbina Breaks Congolese Resistance as Algeria Edge DR Congo After Extra Time
- Algeria needed a dramatic extra time winner to overcome a stubborn DR Congo side, with Adil Boulbina striking late to seal a 1-0 victory and book a place in the AFCON quarterfinals.
Algeria were forced to dig deep before finally seeing off DR Congo 1-0 after extra time in a tense Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash at Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan on Tuesday night.
The encounter was a physical and tactical battle from the opening whistle, with both sides cancelling each other out through 90 minutes of regulation time. DR Congo showed discipline and resilience, while Algeria dominated possession without finding a decisive breakthrough.
Clear chances were at a premium, though Algeria came close on several occasions through Mohamed Amoura, Anis Hadj Moussa and Baghdad Bounedjah, all of whom were denied by inspired goalkeeping from Lionel Mpasi. At the other end, Luca Zidane was called into action to keep out efforts from Cedric Bakambu and Edo Kayembe as the Congolese threatened on the counter.
With the deadlock unbroken, the contest spilled into extra time where fatigue began to creep in. Algeria pushed with greater urgency, sensing an opening as DR Congo dropped deeper to protect the draw.
The decisive moment arrived in the 119th minute. Substitute Adil Boulbina, introduced moments earlier, latched onto a clever assist from Ramiz Zerrouki and rifled a right footed shot into the top corner from the left side of the box to finally break Congolese hearts.
DR Congo threw bodies forward in the closing seconds, but Algeria held firm to see out the result and secure progression to the quarterfinals after a gruelling 120 minutes.
The victory keeps Algeria firmly in the hunt for continental glory, while DR Congo exit the tournament with heads held high after a brave and disciplined display.
