Algérie – RD Congo 1-0: Boulbina’s AFCON Decider

A knockout match can transform composed players into tight-wound springs. Algeria and DR Congo played out 120 minutes of that tension on 6 January 2026, until substitute Adil Boulbina’s thunderous strike shattered the deadlock and sent the Algerians through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter‑finals.

Match Date: 6 January 2026 ·
Final Score: Algeria 1‑0 DR Congo ·
Competition: Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 ·
Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco ·
Winning Goal Scorer: Adil Boulbina (120+1′) ·
Winner: Algeria

The key details at a glance: one match, two trajectories diverging at the final whistle.

The gap between public knowledge and official detail remains wide for this fixture.

Who won the match Congo Algeria?

Final score and decisive moment

• Algeria 1‑0 DR Congo — the sole goal came from substitute Adil Boulbina in the second half of extra time (ESPN (sports media outlet)).
• Boulbina, who replaced Farès Chaïbi at the start of extra time, unleashed a powerful right‑footed strike from outside the penalty area that beat the DR Congo goalkeeper in the 120+1′ (Jamaica Observer (AFP wire service)).

The pattern: one swing of a substitute’s boot rewrote both teams’ tournament trajectories.

What is the summary of the match Algeria – RD Congo?

Match timeline and key events

• First half (0‑0): Algeria controlled possession but could not break through a disciplined DR Congo defence.
• Second half (0‑0): Chances were few; the game appeared headed for a shoot‑out (Jamaica Observer (AFP wire service)).
• Extra time first half (0‑0): DR Congo thought they had taken the lead through Chancel Mbemba, but the goal was disallowed — the exact reason remains unclear.
• Extra time second half: DR Congo lost midfielder Moutoussamy to injury in the 109th minute, a moment that shifted momentum (ESPN (sports media outlet)).
• 120+1′: Ramiz Zerrouki played a pass to Boulbina, who struck first‑time from distance to win the match (Flashscore (live sports data)).

Lineups and substitutions

• Algeria started with a 4‑2‑3‑1 shape; Boulbina entered as an extra‑time substitute for Farès Chaïbi.
• DR Congo’s Moutoussamy was forced off in the 109th minute after suffering an injury.

The implication: fine margins — a contested whistle, a muscle pull, a substitution — decided a match that seemed bound for penalties.

What is the date of the match Algeria – RDC?

Match schedule and venue

• The match took place on 6 January 2026 (ESPN (sports media outlet)).
• Kick‑off was at 16:00 UTC at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Is Algeria qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

Algeria’s World Cup qualification status

• Algeria is competing in CAF Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
• As of the match date, qualification is not yet finalised; group‑stage matches are ongoing.

CAF Group G standings

• The group includes Algeria, Djibouti, Mozambique, Somalia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
• Algeria are among the favourites to top the group, but their AFCON knockout win does not directly affect the qualifying campaign.

What this means: AFCON momentum and World Cup qualification are separate tracks — Algeria still must earn its place in Group G.

Is Congo qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

DR Congo’s World Cup path and opponent

• DR Congo entered the final playoff round for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
• Their opponent in that playoff will be determined by the CAF draw; potential opponents include Sudan.

The catch: elimination from one tournament opens undivided focus on another — a trade-off that carries its own pressure.

Match timeline

• 6 Jan 2026, 16:00 UTC – Kickoff at Moulay Hassan Stadium
• First half (0‑0) – Scoreless, Algeria with more possession
• Second half (0‑0) – DR Congo defence holds, no goals in regular time
• Extra time first half (0‑0) – Controversy: Chancel Mbemba goal disallowed for DR Congo
• Extra time second half (120+1′) – Adil Boulbina scores winning goal for Algeria
• Full time – Algeria wins 1‑0, advances to AFCON quarter‑finals

Confirmed facts vs what’s unclear

Reaction and analysis

“Algeria’s Adil Boulbina scored a wonder strike in extra time to beat DR Congo 1‑0 and send his side into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter‑finals.”

ESPN (sports media outlet)

“The thunderous strike deep into extra time settled a tense encounter that appeared headed to a penalty shoot‑out.”

Jamaica Observer (AFP wire service)

The pattern is clear: Algeria’s experience and depth prevailed in a match where fine margins — a disallowed goal, an injury, a late substitution — decided the outcome. For DR Congo, the painful lesson is that a disciplined defensive performance can be undone by a single moment of brilliance.

Adil Boulbina’s 120th-minute goal sealed Algerias dramatic win over DR Congo in the AFCON last 16, sending Algeria to the quarterfinals.

Frequently asked questions