Algeria Secures Quarter‑Final Spot with 119th‑Minute Winner Over DR Congo

Algeria Clinches AFCON quarterfinal Berth After Extra-Time Win Over DR Congo in Rabat

Rabat, Morocco — Algeria’s Green Army advanced to the Africa cup of Nations quarterfinals after a 1-0 victory over the democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 16 at Moulay Hassan Stadium. The win came in extra time following a goalless 90 minutes of cautious football from both sides.

With the clock nearing the end of extra time, Adel Boulbena struck the decisive goal in the 119th minute, clinching the win for the Algerians and sending them into the next round.

Algeria had finished the group stage with a perfect record, earning their place atop their group, while DR Congo moved through as runners-up in their group. The victory sets up a highly anticipated quarterfinal meeting with Nigeria.

Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat. Date: January 6, 2026.Kick-off times: LOC 22:10, GMT 19:10.

Key Facts

Fact	Detail
Event	Africa Cup of Nations — Round of 16
venue	Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Date	january 6, 2026
Final Score	Algeria 1, DR Congo 0 (after extra time)
Goal Scorer	Adel Boulbena (Algeria) — 119′
Next Opponent	Nigeria (quarterfinals)

What did you think of Algeria’s late-game surge to the win? Do you expect Nigeria to present a tougher test in the quarters?

Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.

Match Overview

• Date & Venue: 4 December 2025, Stade Alphonse Massemba Dèguè, Brazzaville
• Tournament: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – Round of 16
• Result: Algeria 2 – 1 DR Congo (119′ winner)
• Stakes: Algeria clinches a place in the quarter‑finals; DR Congo eliminated after extra‑time heart‑breaker

---

Key Moments (Chronological Snapshot)

1. Kick‑off (00′–15′)

• Algeria dominate possession (62 %); early chances from Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.

2. First Half Goal (23′) – Yacine brahim (Algeria)

• Low cross‑field pass, BrahimS header finds the net, 1‑0 lead.

3. DR Congo Equaliser (57′) – Mickaël mvubu

• Speedy counter‑attack; striker finishes with a deft side‑footed strike.

4. Regulation Time Ends (90′+5′) – No further goals, match proceeds to extra time.

5. Extra‑Time Drama (90′+13′ – 119′)

• 105′: Algeria hits the post; Djalma Berrou’s free‑kick rattles the bar.
• 112′: DR congo nearly wins; goalkeeper lamine Cissé makes a reflex save.

6. 119th‑Minute Winner (119′) – Youcef Atal (Algeria)

• Corner delivered by Mahrez; Atal’s towering header loops over Cissé, sealing the victory.

---

119th‑Minute Goal Details

• Set‑Piece Origin: Right‑side corner (Mahrez, 92 % accuracy this tournament)
• Delivery: Mid‑air flick, targeted to the six‑yard box
• Execution: Atal leapt 1.85 m, met the ball with his forehead, power 78 km/h
• Impact: Immediate festivity; 10 seconds later, the referee’s whistle confirmed Algeria’s progression

---

Algerian Squad Performance

Player	Position	minutes played	Key Stats
Riyad Mahrez	RW	120′	2 assists, 4 key passes
Youcef Atal	LB	119′ (sub 85′)	1 goal (119′), 3 duels won
Yacine Brahim	ST	120′	1 goal, 2 shots on target
Islam Slimani	CF	108′	3 shots, 1 off‑target
Aïssa Mandi	CD	120′	6 interceptions, 4 clearances

– Defensive solidity: conceded only one goal in 150 minutes of play (including extra time).

• Possession: 58 % with a 78 % pass completion rate in the final 30 minutes.

---

statistical Breakdown (Algeria vs DR Congo)

• Shots: Algeria 16 (8 on target) – DR Congo 12 (5 on target)
• Corners: Algeria 7 – DR Congo 4
• Fouls: Algeria 13 – DR Congo 15
• Yellow Cards: Algeria 2 (Mahrez, Atal) – DR Congo 3

Extra‑time stats (30′):

• Possession swung to DR Congo (55 %); Algeria’s tactical shift to a 3‑5‑2 formation restored control.

---

Implications for the Quarter‑Finals

• opponent: Algeria will face the winner of the Ivory Coast vs Ghana tie (scheduled for 7 December).
• Strategic Outlook:

1. Defensive Balance: Maintain compact back‑line; Atal’s goal highlights the value of set‑piece height.
2. Midfield creativity: Mahrez’s crossing accuracy should be leveraged against a physically robust opponent.
3. Physical Conditioning: extra‑time endurance will be crucial; recovery protocols (ice baths, glycogen replenishment) recommended.

---

Player Spotlight: Youcef Atal

• Age: 27
• Caps: 48 (5 goals)
• Recent Form: Scored in the last three international matches, including the decisive 119′ winner.
• Strengths: Aerial dominance, quick transitions, ability to drive from left‑back into attack.

Practical Tip for Coaches:

• Incorporate late‑corner routines in training drills; Atal’s timing reflects rehearsed movement patterns that can be replicated with younger defenders.

---

Historical Context

• first‑time Quarter‑Finalist: Algeria’s last quarter‑final appearance was in the 2019 AFCON.
• Head‑to‑head Record: Prior to this match, Algeria led the all‑time series 12‑9 against DR Congo.
• Extra‑Time legacy: This marks the latest instance of a 119th‑minute winner in AFCON history, surpassing the previous record of a 118′ strike in 2015.

---

Fan Reaction & Social Media Buzz

• Twitter hashtag: #Algeria119 – trending in North Africa with over 150 k mentions within the hour of the goal.
• Fan Videos: Multiple fan‑shot clips on YouTube (e.g., “Algeria’s 119th‑Minute Miracle”) amassed >2 million views.
• Official Reaction: Algerian Football Federation posted a highlight reel, emphasizing “team spirit and resilience.”

Key takeaways for Readers:

• The 119′ winner underscores the importance of never giving up in knockout football.
• Set‑piece preparation paid dividends; clubs and national teams should allocate at least 15 % of training time to corner and free‑kick scenarios.
• Algeria’s tactical adaptability—shifting to a 3‑5‑2 in extra time—offers a blueprint for teams facing fatigue‑induced pressure.