Aballou: A site made by fans, for fans

Late Hero, Big Echo: Algeria’s AFCON Fever Sparks Memories of 2010

6 January 2026

Late Hero, Big Echo: Algeria’s AFCON Fever Sparks Memories of 2010
Adel Bolbine’s late winner sends Algeria into the AFCON quarterfinals against Nigeria.

Historic late strike seals Algeria’s win

Adel Bolbine etched his name into Algerian football history by scoring the decisive winner against the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-0) on Tuesday, in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.

He becomes the second player to score in extra time for Algeria in AFCON history, following Amar Bouaza who struck Ivory Coast in the 2010 quarterfinal in Angola.

This victory marks another milestone for the Desert Warriors, as it is only the second time Algeria has won a knockout match after extra time at AFCON, the first coming against the Elephants in 2010.

With the win, the team now faces a fiery quarterfinal against Nigeria, who crushed Mozambique 4-0 in the last 16.

Memories of 2010 swirl as Algeria rides the momentum into the next round, inviting renewed hope and a touch of nostalgia to the desert camp.

Punchline 1: If football were coffee, Algeria just served a double shot of drama—extra time, please!

Punchline 2: Nigeria, bring sunglasses—the Desert Foxes just switched on the lights and the fireworks.

Author

Avatar

Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the winner for Algeria?

Adel Bolbine scored the stoppage-time winner against DR Congo.

What milestone did Bolbine achieve?

He became the second Algerian to score in extra time in AFCON history.

Who will Algeria face in the quarterfinals?

Nigeria, who defeated Mozambique 4-0 in the round of 16.

When was the last time Algeria won a knockout match in AFCON after extra time before this?

In 2010, against Ivory Coast.