Algeria Vs DR Congo Highlights, AFCON 2025 RO16: Adil Boulbina Strike Breaks Leopards' Hearts In Extra-time

• Location: Rabat, Morocco

• Stadium: Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan

• Date: Tuesday, January 6

• Kick-off Time: 09:30 p.m. IST

Total matches: 6

Algeria won: 2

Congo DR won: 0

Draws: 4

Algeria XI (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bennacer; Mahrez, Chaibi, Amoura; Maza.

Subs: Mandrea, Benbot, Dorval, Belaid, Atal, Zerrouki, Abdelli, Zorgane, Hadj Moussa, Kebbal, Bounedjah, Bakrar, Boulbina, Berkane.

DR Congo XI (4-3-3): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, J Kayembe; Sadiki, Moutoussamy, Mukau; Elia, Bakambu, Bongonda.

Subs: Fayulu, Epolo, Kapuadi, Batubinsika, Bushiri, Kalulu, Pickel, E Kayembe, Kakuta, Mbuku, Essende, Mayele, Cipenga, Banza, Balikwisha.

National Anthems first and then we head to kick-off!

Cameras pan to the fans and the famous Congo supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the man who stands during the game, is amongst in attendance.

“I remain still to give strength to the team, to give energy to the players,” Nkuka Mboladinga told The Associated Press during an interview in his hotel room in Casablanca this week.

And we are away in the Round of 16 match between Algeria and DR Congo.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 1'

Both sides are playing it safe and not risking bodies higher up the field. However, possession wise, Algeria dominating the ball in the early five minutes of play.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 4'

Mohammed Amoura fouls DR Congo captain Mbemba from behind and it seems the former Newcastle Utd defender is down injured. Worrying moments for the fans and management alike. Good news, he is back and running.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 7'

Now Mohammed Amoura goes down with an injury after a DR Congo player steps on his boot. No VAR intervention required. Some magic spray sprayed on his foot and on we go.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 11'

Riyadh Mahrez, ex-Man City player, is ready to take the free-kick and everyone know how the Algerian captain is, over the set-piece. However, this time his delivery is a poor one and DR Congo heave a sigh of relief.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 17'

Algeria dominate proceedings with DR Congo sitting in their own half. All the attack coming from the Fennecs' side. DR Congo have been put on the backfoot here and it remains to be seen how they react going ahead in the game.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 20'

Wow, some action finally! Rayan Aït-Nouri has a shot from the penalty area but misses the chance and the ball is cleared that lands into the feet of Bakambu, who is one-on-one with the ALG defenders. He decides to shoot but Zidane parries it away for corner.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 25'

Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe meets the ball from DR Congo corner but his header is wide and a golden chance goes to waste.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 26'

Manchester-connected players in action from either sides here in Rabat. Algeria's Riyadh Mahrez, formerly of Man City whereas Ait-Nouri, who is currently with Pep Guardiola's side.

As for DR Congo, Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe, who were formerly employed with Manchester United.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 31'

Some half-chances for either sides but the game is dominated by fouls and flying challenges. High-tempo and physical contest this!

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 35'

Bakambu has a chance to head in but a timely clearance from the Algerian defence thwarts it away. DR Congo win a corner. The ball comes in and Zidane leaps and easily catches it.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 40'

Well, well! The ref must have seen some action from the Arsenal-Bournemouth game as he does not allow the Algerian players to take the corner and blows the HT whistle. Mahrez and co lead the protests but the ref is unmoved.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo

Second Half begins.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 46'

55 mins in and still no breakthrough in the game. Remember, yesterday we had Egypt vs Benin game that went into Extra-time.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 55'

DR Congo race forward and win back-to-back corners as their supporters bounce up and down behind the goal. A corner comes in and Mbemba tries to hit but the attempt is blocked.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 59'

Both sides have given their best and it remains to be seen which one tires physically, given the adrenaline that has been amongst the players.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 65'

DR Congo

Edo Kayembe replaces Noah Sadiki

Gaël Kakuta replaces Ngal'ayel Mukau

Algeria

Zinéddine Belaïd replaces Rayan Aït-Nouri

Anis Hadj Moussa replaces Riyad Mahrez

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 70'

Algeria have subbed off their talisman and captain Mahrez, a call that Petkovic could live by or die by it. A masterclass if his side go on to win it or a disaster one, if they lose.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 71'

A little bit of possession from ALG sees Anis Hadj Moussa find space on the right and the winger has time to either cross or take a shot but he opts for the latter but is saved.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 77'

Ten minutes plus stoppages remain and tell you this, both sets of fans and players will be tensed. Nail-biting moments.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 80'

Some test for COD defence as Algeria corner results in Mpasi called into action with double saves off Amoura and then Hadj Moussa. Two shots, two blocks!

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 86'

Three minutes added in stoppages. Winner anyone?

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 90'

There you go! Nothing separates these two sides in regular time. Extra-time beckons.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo

First half in the Extra-time gets underway.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 90'

This game has been very cagey and post the regular time, we are still yet to see an open game here. Both sides are not committing bodies ahead.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 95'

ALG finally get a break with Baghdad Bounedjah receiving a ball at his feet but his shot goes to into the stands.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 99'

M'Pasi is receiving treatment after his collision with a Algeria player. A cross comes into the box but M'Pasi collects it however, his the ball rebounds and Algeria player tries to flick off his hands, but ends up injuring M'Pasi.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 104'

A final set-piece before the HT in Extra-time sees a chance fall to Algeria but the header goes straight into the hands of M'Pasi. The COD goalie clears and the ref blows the whistle.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo

We are fifteen minutes away or else we will head to penalty shootouts.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 105'

Farès Chaïbi brings Lionel M'Pasi into action with a brilliant save. Some tired legs and tired minds in Rabat.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 107'

GKs, and the defences have been superb but Pletkovic could be regretting his substitution call off Mahrez. The Algerians are lacking quality on the ball and probably his presence could have made the difference.

Algeria 0-0 DR Congo 115'

Yes, you heard it! Adil Boulbina, 22-year-old, breaks DR Congo hearts, with a strike that rattles the net and sends the Algerian fans into raptures. Fans bring out their flares and lots of music coming from the stands.

Algeria 1-0 DR Congo 119'

Full-time whistle blows and Algeria are through to the quarters, with a 1-0 win over DR Congo.

Algeria 1-0 DR Congo

Algeria set to face Nigeria on 10 January as their hunt for a third Afcon title continues. DR Congo will hope to pick their heads back up in time for the World Cup qualifiers in March.