Boulbina extra-time stunner takes Algeria through to AFCON quarter-finals

Algeria's forward Adil Boulbina scores his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 vs Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. [Gabriel BOUYS / AFP]

A thunderous strike by substitute Adil Boulbina deep in extra time settled a tense encounter as Algeria beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 tie on Tuesday.

The game at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat was edging towards a penalty shoot-out when Boulbina, a forward who plays club football in Qatar, was released on the left in the 119th minute and advanced into the area before unleashing a vicious strike into the net.