Algeria secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
round-of-16 clash on Tuesday, setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final
showdown with Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.
Substitute Adil Boulbina emerged the hero, scoring a
late winner in the 119th minute to settle a tense encounter at the Moulay El
Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The 22-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Duhail in
Qatar, was released down the left flank before firing a powerful shot into the
net, sparking wild celebrations among the fans.
“I have always dreamed of playing for the national
team. I had my chance and scored, and the most important thing is that we won
and qualified,” an emotional Boulbina said after the match.
The 2019 champions, who won all their group-stage
matches, now look like strong contenders for a third continental title. For DR
Congo, however, the defeat was a painful one, ending their hopes of another
encounter with Nigeria after eliminating the Super Eagles on penalties in a
World Cup qualifying play-off last November.
DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre admitted his
disappointment, saying: “We fought to the end, but unfortunately, it was not
enough.”
The match itself was largely cagey, with few clear
chances in regulation time. Axel Tuanzebe went close for DR Congo in the first
half, while Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza narrowly missed the target. Edo Kayembe
tested Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane after the break, but neither side could
find a breakthrough, forcing extra time.
Algeria grew stronger in the additional period, with
goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi producing fine saves to deny Fares Chaibi and Baghdad
Bounedjah. Just when penalties seemed inevitable, Ramiz Zerrouki’s precise pass
released Boulbina, who calmly finished to seal the win.
Meanwhile, Nigeria continued their impressive run at
the tournament with a dominant 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday. Victor
Osimhen scored twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the net
as the Super Eagles cruised into the quarter-finals.
Lookman opened the scoring and provided two assists,
underlining his fine form, while Osimhen’s brace took his tournament tally to
three goals.
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, will now face
Algeria on Saturday in what promises to be a blockbuster quarter-final
encounter in Marrakesh.
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