The Algerian football team qualified for the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations, which is being held in Morocco, after beating DR Congo 1-0 after extra time in Rabat.
He scored the decision goal Adil Boulbina in the 119th minute.
Algeria last reached the quarter-finals of the African Championship in 2019 when they won their second continental title after the premier title won in 1990.
After failing to win a single group game in the last two African championships (2021, 2023), the Algerians are this time rushed through the group. The team Vladimir Petković is, along with Nigeria, the only team that went through the group with three wins, scoring seven and conceding only one goal. On the other hand, the semi-finalist of the last Cup of Nations, DR Congo achieved two victories and a draw in the group with a 5-1 goal difference.
After the first half with no real opportunities, the game was more open in the rest, but there were no goals within 90 minutes. Algeria came closest to taking the lead in the 78th minute when Anis Hadj Moussa shot from the left, but Lionel Mpasi-Nzau was ready. DR Congo could have won in the 90th minute when Fiston Mayele headed in, but missed the goal.
The question of the winner is finally resolved in the final moments of overtime and with one of the most beautiful goals of this championship. Ramiz Zerrouki sent an excellent ball to Bowlbin, who shot from the edge of the penalty area, hitting the upper right corner of the opponent’s goal.
The Dinamo Zagreb midfielder played for Algeria Ismael Bennacerwhich injured at the beginning of the second half. The Algerian caught on the back lodge and could not continue the meeting. It’s bad news for Algeria, but also for Dinamo. Bennacer arrived in Dinamo in September from Milan on loan until the end of the season. Dinamo’s other Algerian at the African Championship, Monsef Bakrar, did not play.
Algeria will play in the quarter-finals against Nigeria, who beat Mozambique 4-0 on Monday. Two more quarter-final pairs are known, Mali and Senegal will compete, and the hosts Morocco and Cameroon.
Egypt awaits the winner of tonight’s match between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
(Hina | Photo: X)
