At the Africa Cup of Nations, the next round-of-16 clash turned into a real drama. Algeria and DR Congo failed to break the deadlock over 90 minutes — there was plenty of battle and chances, but the scoreboard stubbornly stayed at 0–0.
Tight defending and cautious play in regular time pushed the match into extra time. And then one moment decided everything: in the 119th minute, Bulbina struck accurately to hand Algeria the win. A minute of joy — and, arguably, fresh hope for the entire tournament.
As a result, Algeria advanced to the quarterfinals and will now take on Nigeria. An even tougher test lies ahead: at this stage, mistakes are not forgiven and nerves are pushed to the limit.
Africa Cup of Nations. Round of 16
Algeria — DR Congo 1:0
Goal: Bulbina 119
Algeria: Zidan — Belgaili, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri (Belaid, 70) — Boudawi (Zerrouki, 114), Bennacer (Abdelli, 49) — Mahrez (Hadj Moussa, 70), Chaïbi (Bulbina, 113), Amoura — Massa (Bounedjah, 113).
DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau — Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Mutussami (Pikel, 110), Kayembe (Sadiki, 70) — Bongonda (Balikwisha, 87), Elia (Mbuku, 62), Bogonda — Bakambu (Mayele, 87), Sadiki.
Bookings: Belgaili, 94; Hadj Moussa, 99; Bounedjah, 120+2 — Mbemba, 101; Kayembe, 105.
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