The nation crashed out in the last 16 after Algeria’s last-gasp goal in extra time
09:04, 07 Jan 2026Updated 09:05, 07 Jan 2026
(Image: AP)
Celtic winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha is facing criticism from the DR Congo after his role in their AFCON exit at the hands of Algeria.
The winger has endured a difficult start to life at Celtic Park after his summer arrival from Royal Antwerp – as he struggled to hold down a regular starting spot under both Brendan Rodgers and Martin O’Neill. The 24-year-old has yet to find the net for the Hoops after the £5million switch, and last started a game for Celtic back in early November against Kilmarnock.
He still did enough to earn a call up for his country for the tournament in Morocco – helping his side reach the last 16 of the tournament. But former champions of Africa Algeria would prove a step too far for Congo as they crashed out in extra time.
Adil Boulbina netted a stunning strike in the 119th minute that left Balikwisha and Co heartbroken at the full-time whistle. Congo were hit on the counter attack after the Hoops wide man attempted to lead an attack up the park – with some fans putting the blame on him for the sucker punch in the final seconds.
One punter said on X: “It’s Balikwisha who’s killing our match. It’s his mistake that’s dragging us down.” Another added: “Balikwisha was the real deal before, but he flopped during that last action.” A supporter chimed in: “Look at how Balikwisha got cooked.”
At the full-time whistle, boss Sebastien Desabre offered a defence of his players as he singled out the positive impact of the substitutes on the game – that included the Celtic man. He said: “We feel an inevitable disappointment after conceding the decisive goal late in the game.
“The players gave their all on the pitch and fought until the end, but it wasn’t enough. We had a good second half, and in extra time, we were physically evenly matched, but the goal came from a counter-attack while we were trying to attack.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha in action for Celtic during Rangers derby clash at Ibrox
“Practically, the player substitutions were satisfactory, and we played three exciting matches in the group stage.
“We faced Algeria in the round of 16, and we fought hard. The level between the two teams was close, and the difference was minimal, which is why we feel disappointed.”
“I have nothing to reproach the players for, and we must keep our heads held high because we gave everything we had.”
Balikwisha will hope to take some positives from the exit back to Celtic Park, having been offered encouragement by boss O’Neill before the end of his interim spell.
He stated the door was open to the attacker for a “clean slate” just before Wilfried Nancy arrived – but after a nightmare 33 day spell in the dugout for the Frenchman, the task of getting the best out of Balikwisha falls to O’Neill.
Speaking in November, he said: “You cannot play this game without confidence, and that’s the point, but what happens over these couple of weeks, you start to see some players (emerging).
“There’s one or two lads at this minute, like Balikwisha, who have not had a chance to play – I just said to him in the dressing room, ‘With the next manager coming in, he will see what you can do’.
“So some players who have stepped into the team and onto the mark have actually excelled in that sense, so they do not want to give their position away.
“Overall, it is up to players to do that. Confidence is everything if you can play.”