BETTING GUIDE: Algeria vs DR Congo, Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 05.01.26. | 21:31
Both sides impressed during the group stage, setting the stage for a finely balanced knockout contest between attacking quality and defensive resilience
The penultimate Round of 16 fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations sees two heavyweight nations collide as Algeria face DR Congo on Tuesday night at Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat.
Kick-off comes at 7:00 p.m. (EAT) under the Moroccan lights with a quarter-final place at stake, where either Nigeria or Mozambique await.
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Both sides impressed during their group stage campaigns, setting the stage for a finely balanced knockout contest between attacking quality and defensive resilience.
Algeria arrive with momentum and renewed belief after topping Group E with a flawless record.
The Desert Foxes won all three group matches, scoring seven goals and conceding just twice, underlining their balance at both ends of the pitch.
Their last five matches across all competitions have yielded 12 goals scored, and only two conceded, an average that reflects Vladimir Petković’s tactical control and attacking efficiency.
Algeria have now gone 13 matches without defeat in regulation time, a run that includes seven games with at least two goals scored.
While this is a neutral-venue fixture, Algeria’s comfort playing in North Africa has historically worked in their favour, with both AFCON titles coming on home soil or nearby.
Team news slightly clouds Algeria’s preparation. Rayan Aït-Nouri remains a doubt after being withdrawn in the final group game, while Jaouen Hadjam is ruled out with an ankle injury.
Nevertheless, the Desert Foxes still boast elite attacking weapons.
Riyad Mahrez has three goals in the tournament and is central to everything creative, while Ibrahim Maza has impressed with goals and intelligent movement.
Anis Hadj Moussa offers creativity off the bench, and Algeria’s midfield pairing of Ismaël Bennacer and Hicham Boudaoui provides both control and vertical progression.
DR Congo, meanwhile, arrives unbeaten and full of quiet confidence.
The Leopards finished second in Group D with seven points, recording wins over Benin and Botswana alongside a credible 1-1 draw with Senegal.
Their last five matches have produced nine goals scored and just two conceded, reflecting a side that thrives in controlled, low-scoring encounters.
Away from outright shootouts, DR Congo are tactically disciplined, with six clean sheets in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Injuries could play a role for Sébastien Desabre’s side. Arthur Masuaku remains a doubt, and his absence would slightly weaken their left side, though Joris Kayembe is a capable replacement.
Cedric Bakambu is expected to lead the line, supported by Theo Bongonda and Meschak Elia, while the defensive pairing of Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe has been one of the most reliable units in the tournament so far.
Head-to-head history slightly favours Algeria.
The Desert Foxes are unbeaten in their last five meetings with DR Congo, drawing three and winning two, with both teams scoring in two of the last three encounters.
These trends suggest competitive but open contests rather than one-sided affairs.
Key Betting Pointers;
- Algeria have hit 2+ goals in 7 of their last 10 games
- The Desert Foxes were the second-top scorers in the group stage
- Algeria are averaging 2.5 goals per match in recent outings
- DR Congo have scored in 14 of their last 15 games, with BTTS in two of the last three H2Hs
All things considered, Algeria’s firepower is likely to test DR Congo, but the Leopards’ structure and belief suggest they will remain competitive.
With both teams displaying reliable attacking returns and tactical balance, backing goals at both ends appears the smart angle.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
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