January 06, (THEWILL) — Algeria edged past DR Congo with a dramatic 1-0 victory in extra time during their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash. Adil Boulbina struck in the 119th minute, curling home from outside the area after cutting inside Aaron Wan-Bissaka to send his side through to the quarter-finals.
The match appeared destined for penalties after 90 minutes of limited clear opportunities. Algeria controlled nearly 59% of first-half possession but struggled to convert territorial dominance into genuine threats. DR Congo came closest before the interval when Cedric Bakambu forced Luca Zidane into action, while Axel Tuanzebe headed just off target from the subsequent set piece.
The second period continued in similar fashion, with neither team able to establish control. Edo Kayembe tested Zidane from range for DR Congo, whilst Algeria grew more dangerous late on through Mohammed Amoura and Anis Hadj Moussa. A vital defensive block from Zineddine Belaid prevented the Congolese from snatching a winner in stoppage time.
Lionel Mpasi kept DR Congo level in extra time with two excellent near-post saves to deny Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah. However, the goalkeeper could not reach Boulbina’s decisive strike with just one minute remaining, which flew into the top-right corner from distance.
Algeria will now face Nigeria in the quarter-finals after surviving a tense encounter. Ibrahim Maza had dragged wide in the 42nd minute for what proved to be Algeria’s best first-half opening, but their patience was eventually rewarded through Boulbina’s late intervention.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
