AFCON 2025-26: Boulbina stunner passes Algeria, Diallo shines for Ivory Coast

Adil Boulbina and Amad Diallo stole the show as Algeria and Ivory Coast secured contrasting last 16 victories in Morocco on Tuesday to complete the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final line-up.

A stunning goal from substitute Boulbina with one minute of extra time remaining gave Algeria a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo after an intense match in Rabat.

Diallo scored the opening goal and created the second as defending champions Ivory Coast defeated their West African neighbors Burkina Faso 3-0 in Marrakesh.

While winger Diallo plays for Manchester United, which enjoys worldwide support, midfielder Boulbina sits alongside Al-Duhail in the relative obscurity of the Qatari league.

«We fought as a team. Everyone is focused on contributing in whatever way they can. There is also a real chemistry on the pitch, a closeness between us that makes our game more fluid,» Diallo said.

«There is a real connection, a certain rhythm in the way we play. No one is trying to be the hero or shine individually for the country.»

«If I have the opportunity to make the pass, I do it. It’s instinctive: I give my teammate the ball. That’s how we play.»

A mouthwatering quarter-final line-up kicks off on Friday when Senegal take on Mali and Cameroon take on hosts Morocco.

On Saturday, Algeria will play against in-form Nigeria, after which Ivory Coast will take on seven-time title holder Egypt.

The cagey clash between Algeria and DR Congo moved towards a penalty shoot-out when Boulbina was released on the left in the 119th minute and advanced into the area before unleashing a vicious strike into the net.

The magical moment sparked wild celebrations on the grounds, with the majority of the 18,837 people supporting Algeria.

Boulbina was an unlikely hero. He made only his second cameo appearance off the bench at the tournament, having been included in the squad after playing for Algeria at the recent Arab Cup in Qatar.

«I have always dreamed of playing for the national team. It is the ambition of every Algerian to play for his country and do well,» said Boulbina, who burst into tears afterwards.

“I had my chance and scored and the most important thing is that we won and qualified for the next round.”

The match in Rabat, between two of the continent’s leading countries, was all about a draw in the round but never quite lived up to expectations.

There was a lack of quality in the final third from both sides despite all the attacking talent on the pitch, with neither captain Riyad Mahrez nor the exciting Ibrahim Maza lasting 90 minutes for Algeria.

In Marrakesh, Diallo shone as Ivory Coast became the first AFCON defending champions to reach the quarter-finals since 2010.

Diallo scored the opening goal and created the second for Yan Diomande before half time. Substitute Bazoumana Toure completed the score in the final minutes.

Since Egypt successfully defended their title in Angola 16 years ago, seven title holders have failed to reach the last eight.

Cameroon and Senegal made it to the last sixteen exits, Zambia, Ivory Coast and Algeria were eliminated after the group stage and Egypt and Nigeria failed to even qualify for the tournament.

There was a sense of inevitability as the Ivorians took the lead after twenty minutes. Diallo weaved his way past several defenders before punching the ball past goalkeeper Herve Koffi

Such was the Elephants’ control that it was no surprise when they extended their lead after 32 minutes on a cold night.

Diallo was the provider this time. Passing the ball across the penalty area to 19-year-old Diomande, whose beautifully curved shot gave Koffi no chance.

Substitute Toure scored his second goal in as many games when he ran clear from his own half in the 87th minute and then smashed the ball past Koffi.

Published on January 7, 2026