CAN 2025: Algeria eliminates DR Congo thanks to a rocket by Adil Boulbina | OneFootball

CAN 2025: Boulbina's thunderbolt propels Algeria

CAN 2025: Algeria eliminates DR Congo thanks to a rocket by Adil Boulbina

In Rabat, the CAN 2025 round of 16 clash between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo flirted with frustration for much of the contest. For over 90 minutes, the match struggled to live up to its billing. The first half was lackluster, disjointed, and short on chances, with a DR Congo side sitting deep, disciplined, and committed defensively. On the other side, Algeria lacked precision and attacking bite, their wingers uninspired and Amoura too often isolated at the tip of the attack, starved of quality service.

After the break, the Fennecs showed more intent. The tempo picked up, the pressure increased, but there was still no real breakthrough against the Congolese block. DR Congo stuck to their script, refusing to open up and relying on patience. Despite a second half that showed more attacking ambition than the first, the scoreboard remained unchanged: 0-0 at the end of regulation. Extra time was needed to separate two teams who simply could not be split after 90 minutes.

That's when the game turned. Barely on the pitch, Boulbina changed the fate of the match. Just three minutes after coming on, the substitute unleashed a phenomenal strike, crisp and unstoppable, that sent the stadium into raptures and set a nation free. A flash of brilliance to send Algeria into the quarter-finals and send a brave DR Congo side packing. A decisive goal, the symbol of a match long locked up, ultimately settled by a moment of sheer class.