By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Adil Boulbina’s sensational strike deep in extra time gave Algeria a 1-0 win in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 ties against DR Congo in Rabat on Tuesday, 06 January 2026.
Algeria enjoyed possession in the first half, but it was DR Congo who almost went ahead. Cedric Bakambu showed great tenacity to create a chance for himself, which was tipped around the post by Luca Zidane, with Axel Tuanzebe heading narrowly wide from the resulting corner.
Ibrahim Maza registered Algeria’s first attempt in the 42nd minute, dragging wide of the right post from the edge of the box, as they failed to make the most of their continued possession before the break.
It was another cagey start in second half, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. The first shot on goal after half-time came through Edo Kayembe, whose strike from distance was comfortably saved by Zidane.
Algeria found some rhythm in the closing stages, with Mohammed Amoura and Anis Hadj Moussa testing the goalkeeper, but it was a vital intervention from Zineddine Belaid at the other end which prevented DR Congo from snatching a stoppage-time winner.
Lionel Mpasi made two crucial saves in extra time to deny both Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah at his near post, but the DR Congo goalkeeper could do nothing to keep out Boulbina’s curling strike from the edge of the box with a minute remaining.
After Algeria edged out DR Congo in the seventh and penultimate round of 16 tie at AFCON 2025, the eighth has just got under way between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.