Algeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2019, edging past DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in a tense Round of 16 encounter.
Both sides approached the knockout tie cautiously, with a cagey first half yielding few clear chances.
DR Congo came closest before the break through Cédric Bakambu and Axel Tuanzebe, but Luca Zidane stood firm in the Algerian goal.
The Leopards grew into the contest after the interval and pushed for a breakthrough, forcing Algeria into several last-ditch interventions.
Despite increased pressure and a number of substitutions, the deadlock remained unbroken through 90 minutes.
Extra time finally brought urgency from the Fennecs, and with penalties looming, Adil Boulbina delivered the decisive moment.
The winger surged down the left in the 119th minute and unleashed a stunning strike into the far corner to seal Algeria’s progress and break Congolese hearts.
The result sends Algeria into the last eight where Nigeria awaits and ends DR Congo’s hopes of back-to-back quarter-final appearances.
