Algeria have reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 119th-minute winner from substitute Anis Boulbina broke DR Congo hearts in Rabat.
The North Africans secured a 1-0 victory deep into extra time, setting up a heavyweight last-eight clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Last-gasp heroics
In a match defined by tactical caution and defensive discipline, it took until the final seconds of extra time for the deadlock to be broken.
Anis Boulbina, making an impact off the bench, played a neat one-two with AC Milan’s Ismaël Bennacer before cutting inside and curling a spectacular effort into the top corner. It was a landmark moment for the youngster, marking his first senior international goal on the grandest of stages.
The Leopards of DR Congo had been moments away from taking the game to a penalty shootout, having frustrated the 2019 champions for much of the evening.
Frustration in Rabat
For the opening 90 minutes, clear-cut chances were a rarity as both sides cancelled each other out in a congested midfield:
- Goalkeeping excellence: Algeria’s Luca Zidane and DR Congo’s Dimitry Mpasi both produced crucial saves to keep their respective sides in the hunt.
- Leopards’ late scare: DR Congo almost snatched victory in second-half stoppage time, but Fiston Mayele saw his goal-bound header diverted inches wide of the post.
- Desert Foxes’ dominance: Algeria controlled possession for long spells but struggled to pierce a well-organised Congolese backline until Boulbina’s late intervention.
A heavyweight quarter-final
The result confirms one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament so far. Algeria will now travel to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday, January 10.
The Super Eagles headed into the last eight in a clinical fashion on Monday, dismantling Mozambique 4-0. The upcoming clash brings together two of the continent’s giants, both vying for their fourth AFCON title.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Algeria
- Date: Saturday, 10 January
- Kick-off: 17:00 GMT
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