Yesterday, Algeria shocked the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 in their last-16 AFCON match, advancing to Saturday’s quarterfinal match in Marrakesh against Nigeria, managed by Victor Osimhen.
According to AFP, a nail-biter at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium was finally settled when substitute Adil Boulbina scored in the 119th minute.
After being released on the left side of the field, the 22-year-old striker from Qatari club Al-Duhail dribbled into the penalty area and sent the 18,837 spectators into a frenzy of joy.
Boulbina, who came off the bench for the second time at the tournament, was visibly moved after the game.
Being a part of the national team has always been my goal throughout life. Playing at a high level for Algeria is everyone’s dream. We won and advanced to the next round, and I scored when I had the chance. That’s what matters the most,” he added.
After winning their whole group, the 2019 champions look like they have what it takes to win a third continental championship.
Their triumph was a devastating setback for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who had been hoping to meet Nigeria in the World Cup qualification play-off following their penalty shootout victory against the Super Eagles in November.
Obviously, the result has disappointed us. In my opinion, it was a really competitive matchup between two excellent teams. Each player gave their all. “Unfortunately, our efforts were not rewarded,” coach Sebastien Desabre of the Democratic Republic of the Congo remarked.
There were very few good scoring opportunities in the first half, so the contest was underwhelming. Axel Tuanzebe, a Burnley defender, headed a corner for the Democratic Republic of the Congo barely wide, while Ibrahim Maza, of Algeria, shot narrowly wide.
After a scoreless second half, Edo Kayembe sent a long-range shot at Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, but the game went into overtime.
In the 111th minute, Algeria upped their game in extra time, forcing the Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to make great saves from Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah. The game-winning goal appeared improbable until Ramiz Zerrouki’s pinpoint ball sent up Boulbina, who scored as a replacement to seal the victory.
The Triumph of Nigeria Over Mozambique
On the other hand, Mozambique lost 4-0 to Nigeria at Fes on Monday, continuing Nigeria’s dominating run in Morocco.
The Super Eagles breezed into the quarterfinals thanks to two goals from Victor Osimhen and one each from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams.
After 20 minutes, Lookman scored the opening goal. In the 25th minute, he set up Osimhen for his first goal.
Adams scored the game-winning goal in the 75th minute after a pass from Lookman, and the Galatasaray striker extended the lead shortly after halftime.
“The team’s performance was outstanding. “We created chances and finished them, and the victory gives us momentum heading into the quarter-finals,” exclaimed Osimhen, her voice filled with joy.
Since Egypt’s 2010 semi-final victory against Algeria by the same score, the 4-0 result was the biggest winning margin in an AFCON knockout match.
For their first appearance in the tournament’s knockout stage, Mozambique were no match for a Nigerian team that had undergone significant roster changes, including the return of key players like Lookman following group stage rotations.
This Saturday, in Marrakesh, a thrilling match between Algeria and Nigeria is in the works.
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