![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_Morocco-Africa-Cup-of-Nations-Soccer-26006676976526.jpg\")
(Image: AP)<\/p>\nThe nation crashed out in the last 16 after Algeria’s last-gasp goal in extra time<\/p>\n
09:04, 07 Jan 2026Updated 09:05, 07 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
(Image: AP)<\/p>\n
Celtic winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha<\/a> is facing criticism from the DR Congo after his role in their AFCON exit at the hands of Algeria.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. The 24-year-old has yet to find the net for the Hoops after the \u00a35million switch, and last started a game for Celtic <\/a>back in early November against Kilmarnock.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “Practically, the player substitutions were satisfactory, and we played three exciting matches in the group stage.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n \u201cI have nothing to reproach the players for, and we must keep our heads held high because we gave everything we had.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n![\"Michel-Ange](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_JS379404194.jpg\")
Michel-Ange Balikwisha in action for Celtic during Rangers derby clash at Ibrox<\/p>\n