In a match defined by tactical discipline and physical endurance, it was a moment of sublime individual brilliance from a substitute that ultimately made the difference. Adil Boulbina, introduced deep into extra time, etched his name into AFCON lore with a stunning 118th-minute winner, propelling Algeria to a hard-fought 1–0 victory over DR Congo and into the tournament’s quarter-finals.
By Victor Okoye
Fès (Morocco), Jan. 6, 2026 (NAN)
The Round of 16 clash in Rabat was a classic knockout-stage contest: tense, cagey, and seemingly destined for the cruel lottery of a penalty shootout. For over 117 minutes, Algeria and DR Congo engaged in a strategic stalemate, each unit’s defensive organization nullifying the other’s attacking intent. The narrative was one of missed half-chances, heroic saves, and immense physical toll—until Boulbina rewrote the script.
A Tactical Deadlock Broken by Genius
Algeria, true to their philosophy under coach Djamel Belmadi, controlled possession from the outset. However, they ran into a formidable and compact DR Congo low block, marshaled by the experienced Chancel Mbemba. The Congolese game plan was clear: absorb pressure and exploit spaces on the counter-attack with the pace of Cedric Bakambu and Fiston Mayele. This approach nearly paid dividends, with Bakambu forcing a sharp save from Algeria’s Luca Zidane and later glancing a header just wide.
Algeria’s best opportunities fell to Mohamed Amoura and, in extra time, Baghdad Bounedjah, but each was thwarted by the exceptional Lionel Mpasi-Nzau in the Congolese goal. As legs grew heavy and the prospect of penalties loomed, Belmadi’s final roll of the dice was the introduction of Adil Boulbina.
The Super-Sub’s Moment
Boulbina’s impact was immediate and decisive. Receiving the ball on the right flank in the dying moments, he cut inside, creating a sliver of space against a fatigued defender. With impeccable technique and composure, he curled a magnificent right-footed shot that arced beyond the despairing dive of Mpasi-Nzau and into the far corner. It was a strike that combined confidence, quality, and clutch timing—the hallmark of a player ready for the grandest stage.
Awarded the Man-of-the-Match honor, Boulbina deflected praise in his post-match comments, emphasizing the collective effort. “First of all, thank God. Congratulations to Algeria and to the fans,” he said. “I came on late and scored, but it was a collective effort. It is not about me. It is a great feeling for the team, and we will keep pushing in this tournament.”
Broader Implications for Algeria’s Campaign
This victory does more than just secure a quarter-final berth; it serves as a potent psychological boost for Les Fennecs. Winning a grueling, tight knockout game without needing penalties builds immense resilience and belief. Furthermore, Boulbina’s goal spectacularly highlights the depth of Algeria’s squad—a critical factor in tournament football where fatigue and suspension inevitably take their toll. The ability to call upon a game-changer from the bench is a luxury that separates contenders from pretenders.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Algeria’s reward is a colossal quarter-final showdown with regional rivals Nigeria in Marrakech on Saturday. This sets the stage for a tactical battle of North African possession against West African power and pace, a match that will test the momentum gained from this dramatic, character-defining win. Boulbina’s late strike hasn’t just fired Algeria into the last eight; it has ignited their title charge with a moment of unforgettable drama.
VO/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
