Algeria won their AFCON last-16 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 after a late, thunderous goal by substitute Adil Boulbina in extra time.

Boulbina scored a stunning goal in the 119th minute, averting a penalty shootout during Tuesday’s game at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

When the magic happened, the stadium went wild, and the 18,837 fans, mainly rooting for Algeria, celebrated.

Having won every group game, the 2019 champions are emerging as strong challengers to clinch a third continental title, but they now have a captivating quarterfinal clash with Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday.

The result hurts the Congolese, who were hoping for more at AFCON and wanted to play Nigeria again after beating them on penalties in a World Cup qualifier last November.

The Leopards can take comfort in their intercontinental playoff in March. A win against New Caledonia or Jamaica would send them to their first World Cup since 1974.

Having qualified for the North American finals, Algeria is now concentrating on winning in Morocco. Though it was between top teams, the match didn’t meet expectations.

Both teams lacked quality in the final third, despite having talented attackers; neither captain Riyad Mahrez nor Ibrahim Maza played the full game for Algeria.

Axel Tuanzebe’s header went just wide, and Maza’s shot missed the goal. Luca Zidane, Algeria’s goalkeeper, made a good save after Edo Kaymbe took a shot from distance, which was the closest either team got in the second half. This caused the match to go into extra time.

In extra time, Algeria, who had been the more dangerous side, increased their pressure, with Lionel Mpasi making two saves in quick succession against Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah in the 111th minute.

However, a penalty shootout seemed certain until Zerrouki and Boulbina scored the winning goal after coming on together. Boulbina received a great pass from Zerrouki, and the Al-Duhail player, 22, finished it off.