Adil Boulbina qualified Algeria for the quarter-finals of the CAN. A name that could have landed in Belgium last summer.
Between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, everything was decided in the final minutes of extra time. The two teams were heading straight for overtime, the two coaches were already preparing their list of shooters, when Adil Boulbina came out of his box.
😱 Adil Boulbina’s EXCEPTIONAL GOAL saves Algeria in the 119th minute against DR Congo! pic.twitter.com/HSfW1BCMn0
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 6, 2026
Entering the game during the match, the 22-year-old striker made the difference on his own with a powerful strike under the boards. Enough to further accentuate the regrets of some in Belgium for not having been able to bring him.
Qatar’s call made the difference
Last summer, Charleroi and Club Brugge checked his name. It must be said that Boulbina was coming off a crazy season: 24 goals scored with Paradou. Charleroi seemed to have arguments to put forward: the examples of Adem Zagence and Yassine Titraoui illustrated the few great successes of the players who left Paradou for the Pays Noir. For its part, Club Bruges could offer him the opportunity to perform in the Champions League.
But after such a season, the list of contenders was obviously longer than that. Brest, OM and Bétis Sevilla were notably cited. However, everyone had to admit defeat in the face of the offer ofAl-Duhail.
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In addition to the proposed salary, the arrival of Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi on the bench tipped the scales. He is still happy today: in addition to his winning goal at the CAN, Boulbina confirms, with a season of 8 goals and 5 assists in 17 matches alongside a certain Edmilson Junior.
