The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 tie between Algeria and DR Congo was billed as one of the tournament’s most enticing clashes—and it certainly delivered on drama, tension, and a finish for the ages. On January 6, 2026, at Rabat’s Al Medina Stadium, two unbeaten sides entered the arena with everything on the line, but only Algeria would emerge with a ticket to the quarter-finals, thanks to a moment of magic from substitute Adil Boulbina deep into extra time.
Both teams arrived at this stage boasting impressive credentials. Algeria, guided by Bosnian-Swiss tactician Vladimir Petković, had swept through Group E with a perfect record—three wins from three, racking up seven goals and conceding just once. Their group stage journey included victories over Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea, the last of which saw them rotate their squad and still claim a 3-1 win. DR Congo, under the stewardship of Frenchman Sébastien Desabre, also navigated their group unbeaten, finishing second in Group D with seven points. They edged Benin 1-0, shared the spoils 1-1 with Senegal, and convincingly dispatched Botswana 3-0, with Gael Kakuta grabbing a brace in the final match.
Fans from both nations packed the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, filling the air with anticipation and color. The Algerian faithful, clad in green and white, were especially vocal, hoping to see their side take another step toward a third continental crown after triumphs in 1990 and 2019. DR Congo, twice champions themselves (1968 and 1974, then known as Zaire), were hungry to revive past glories and ride their recent momentum—having also just secured a place in the upcoming FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off.
The match itself was a chess battle from the opening whistle, with Egyptian referee Mohamed Eid Mansour frequently intervening as both teams pressed and probed, but rarely broke through. Algeria’s starting lineup featured Luca Zidane in goal—the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, who watched anxiously from the stands—protected by a backline including Rayan Ait Nouri, Ramy Bensebaini, Aissa Mandi, and Rafik Belghali. In midfield, Ismael Bennacer anchored the play, flanked by Hicham Boudaoui and Fares Chaibi, while the attack was spearheaded by Ibrahim Maza, Mohamed Amoura, and captain Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s all-time top AFCON scorer with nine goals.
DR Congo, meanwhile, fielded Lionel Mpasi-Nzau between the posts, with a defense marshaled by Chancel Mbemba, joined by Joris Kayembe Ditu, Axel Tuanzebe, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The midfield trio of Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, and Ngal Ayel Mukau provided steel and distribution, while the forward line featured Meschack Elia, Cedric Bakambu, and Theo Bongonda.
The first half saw flashes of danger but few clear chances. Algeria nearly took the lead when DR Congo defender Chancel Mbemba, under pressure from a surging Belghali run, almost turned the ball into his own net, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd. DR Congo responded with a swift counter, Bakambu breaking free and forcing Zidane into a sharp save, before Tuanzebe’s header from the ensuing corner whistled just wide.
Midway through the second half, Algeria suffered a setback as midfield metronome Ismael Bennacer limped off injured, prompting Petković to shuffle his pack. Mahrez, despite his pedigree, was also substituted as both coaches searched for a breakthrough. DR Congo’s defense held firm, with captain Mbemba leading by example and goalkeeper Mpasi making crucial stops, including a brave block to deny Amoura and a sprawling save from Anis Hadj Moussa—hero of Algeria’s last group win.
As the clock ticked toward full time, the tension was palpable. DR Congo carved out a late chance in regular time, but Zineddine Belaid’s brilliant defensive header denied Fiston Mayele a golden opportunity. The match drifted into extra time, with both sides weary but unwilling to blink first. Penalties seemed inevitable as the minutes slipped away—until, with just one minute left on the clock, the contest exploded into life.
It was a moment that will be replayed for years. Substitute Ramiz Zerrouki, freshly introduced, surged down the left and slipped a perfectly weighted pass to Adil Boulbina. The 22-year-old, full of running, outpaced a tiring Aaron Wan-Bissaka, cut inside, and unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike. The ball rocketed over Mpasi, cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar, and sent the stadium into pandemonium. "Goodness gracious, what a goal. What a strike and what a moment for the 22-year-old hero, Adil Boulbina," exclaimed a breathless commentator from The Athletic’s live coverage.
DR Congo, who had matched Algeria stride for stride for 119 minutes, were left heartbroken. Their fans, however, showed their appreciation, applauding the team’s valiant effort even in defeat. “Applause from the DR Congo fans, who cheered their team until the very end. Anyone in blue has reason to feel a bit shell-shocked by that finish,” noted a live report.
For Algeria, the celebrations were wild and deserved. Boulbina was hoisted aloft by jubilant teammates, clutching his player of the match trophy as the realization of his late heroics began to sink in. The victory means Algeria advance to the quarter-finals, where a mouthwatering showdown with Nigeria awaits on January 10 in Marrakesh. The Super Eagles, themselves in rampant form with 12 goals so far, will provide a stern test for Petković’s men, whose defensive solidity—anchored by Luca Zidane’s fourth clean sheet of the tournament—has been a hallmark of their campaign.
As for DR Congo, there’s disappointment but also pride. Under Desabre, they’ve shown they can compete with Africa’s best and will now turn their attention to March’s intercontinental play-off, where a World Cup berth beckons. Captain Mbemba and his teammates guided their squad off the pitch with dignity, even as frustration boiled over for a moment at the final whistle.
“Heartbreak for DR Congo. They held Algeria until the very last in a game that could really have gone either way. Penalties were looming and after a pretty tame match for efforts on goal, it looked more likely this would be settled by a shoot-out. In the end, they were undone,” summed up The Athletic’s wrap.
So, Algeria march on, powered by their passionate supporters and a newfound belief that this could be their year once again. With the likes of Mahrez, Amoura, and now Boulbina stepping up, and the legendary Zidane family watching over, the North Africans look set for another deep run. The next chapter awaits in Marrakesh, where another classic could be just around the corner.
