Africa Cup Of Nations | Tuesday January 6 | R16
- Algeria 1-0 DR Congo
Defensive discipline ruled the night in Rabat. For nearly two hours, Algeria and DR Congo canceled each other out, pushing the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash toward penalties.
Then, deep into extra time, Algeria finally broke the deadlock.
From the opening whistle, the match was a battle of patience over flair.
Algeria controlled possession, but DR Congo stayed compact and resolute, leaving few clear chances and even fewer mistakes. Both sides prioritized control over risk.
The stalemate held through regulation and into extra time, where goalkeepers became the night’s key figures.
DR Congo’s Lionel M’Pasi produced a string of vital saves to deny Farès Chaïbi, Mohamed Amoura, and Anis Hadj Moussa.
At the other end, Anthony Mandrea matched that composure, keeping Congo’s rare attacks at bay.
Tension peaked when Algeria coach Vladimir Petković made a bold call, withdrawing captain Riyad Mahrez.
The decision surprised many, but discipline remained, and penalties loomed.
Then, in the 119th minute, 22-year-old Adil Boulbina found space and fired a decisive shot past M’Pasi.
The net rippled, fans erupted, and DR Congo’s resistance ended in heartbreak.
Algeria’s 1–0 win sent them into the AFCON quarter-finals, where they will face Nigeria.
