AFCON 2025 Match Preview, Round Of 16: Algeria Vs DR Congo

On Tuesday, Algeria and DR Congo will lock horns for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan.

Both nations enter the knockout stage following stellar opening rounds. The Fennec Foxes secured their spot by dominating Group E with a perfect three-win record, while the Leopards advanced after an impressive showing that saw them earn seven points from their three matches.

Algeria

Vladimir Petkovic’s Algeria side enjoyed a flawless start to their campaign, securing three consecutive wins against Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.

As one of only two teams to finish the group stage with a perfect record—joining Nigeria—the “Desert Warriors” dominated statistically, leading the tournament in both goals scored (8) and defensive discipline (only 1 conceded).

This balanced efficiency is a promising sign as they look to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their 2019 championship. To keep their five-match unbeaten streak against DR Congo alive, Algeria will look to continue their trend of scoring early, a feat they have achieved in six straight outings.

DR Congo

After defeating Benin and Botswana and securing a 1-1 draw against Senegal, DR Congo finished second in Group D, trailing the Senegalese only on goal difference. This performance has paved the way for their upcoming Tuesday clash with Algeria.

Sébastien Desabre’s “Leopards” currently boast an eight-match unbeaten streak. Interestingly, seven of those fixtures saw two or fewer goals scored, with the exception being their dominant 3-0 victory over Botswana.

This trend underscores the team’s ability to excel in low-scoring games, a success largely built on a formidable defense that has allowed only two goals throughout their unbeaten run. Furthermore, much like their next opponents, DR Congo is dangerous early on; they have managed to score the opening goal in nine of their last ten matches across all competitions.

Head-to-Head

Algeria have historically dominated this matchup, having never lost a match—competitive or friendly—against DR Congo.

Form Guide

Algeria’s form: W-W-L-W-W-W

DR Congo’s form: W-W-W-W-D-W

Injury update

Algeria faces a defensive crisis as Rayan Ait-Nouri is expected to miss Tuesday’s knockout match after being forced off in the group stage finale. With Jaouen Hadjam already ruled out by an ankle injury, the team’s options at left-back are thin.

Meanwhile, DR Congo is monitoring Arthur Masuaku’s recovery; if he cannot return from the injury that kept him out of the Botswana game, Joris Kayembe will continue to deputize in his place.

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Key Players

Riyad Mahrez’s three goals put him just one behind leader Brahim Diaz in the Golden Boot race, with Ibrahim Maza also threatening the top spot after netting twice.

Real Betis striker Cédric Bakambu remains DR Congo’s ultimate dangerman, using lethal pace and clinical finishing to drive their AFCON ambition.

Predicted Lineup

Algeria Starting XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Dorval; Boudaoui, Bennacer; Amoura, Mahrez, Hadj Moussa; Maza

DR Congo Starting XI: Mpasi-Nzau; Masuaku, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bakambu, Bongonda

Verdict: Having already secured their spots in the next round, both sides were able to rotate their squads and rest key players during their final group-stage matches. As a result, anticipation is building for a high-energy encounter in Rabat. We expect Algeria to emerge victorious, banking on the strength of their more potent offensive lineup. Algeria 2-1 Congo DR

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