The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 knockout stage delivers a compelling Round of 16 clash as two in-form sides, Algeria and DR Congo, battle for a quarter-final spot. The Desert Foxes topped their group with a perfect record, while the Leopards advanced with disciplined performances.
This highly anticipated encounter kicks off at 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco (capacity: 22,000). The match will be officiated by Egyptian referee Mohamed Maârouf, assisted by Mahmoud Abou El-Regal and Ahmed Hossam Taha, with Amin Omar as fourth official.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
This Round of 16 tie pits two unbeaten teams from the group stage against each other, promising a tactical battle. Algeria’s flawless run has made them one of the tournament favourites, but DR Congo’s resilience could force a cautious affair. Algeria vs DR Congo prediction today points to a low-scoring contest given recent trends. Historical matchups have been tight, and knockout pressure often leads to conservative play. Expect both sides to prioritise defensive solidity early on.
Algeria Results
Algeria entered the tournament determined to move past recent group-stage disappointments and delivered a dominant group campaign. They secured maximum points with strong attacking displays and a solid backline. The Desert Foxes showcased clinical finishing and defensive discipline throughout.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 31.12.2025 | ACN | Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria | 1-3 | W |
| 28.12.2025 | ACN | Algeria vs Burkina Faso | 1-0 | W |
| 24.12.2025 | ACN | Algeria vs Sudan | 3-0 | W |
| 12.12.2025 | ARC | Algeria vs United Arab Emirates | 1-1 (pen. 1-2) | L |
| 09.12.2025 | ARC | Algeria vs Iraq | 2-0 | W |
Algeria won all three group matches without conceding heavily, scoring seven goals in total. Their defensive record stands out, with clean sheets in two games. The recent friendly loss came via penalties, underlining their competitiveness. This form highlights a team peaking at the right time. Overall, they remain hard to break down while punishing opponents efficiently.
DR Congo Results
DR Congo progressed comfortably as Group D runners-up, showing defensive strength and counter-attacking threat. The Leopards built on their semi-final run from the previous edition with composed performances. They conceded minimally while securing vital wins.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 30.12.2025 | ACN | Botswana vs DR Congo | 0-3 | W |
| 27.12.2025 | ACN | Senegal vs DR Congo | 1-1 | D |
| 23.12.2025 | ACN | DR Congo vs Benin | 1-0 | W |
| 16.12.2025 | FI | DR Congo vs Zambia | 2-0 | W |
| 16.11.2025 | WCQ | Nigeria vs DR Congo | 1-1 (pen. 1-1) | D |
DR Congo collected seven points from the group stage, including an impressive rout of Botswana. They kept clean sheets in two matches and drew against strong opposition. Recent friendlies and qualifiers show an unbeaten streak. The team excels in transitional play and set-pieces. Their solidity makes them a tough knockout opponent.
Algeria vs DR Congo Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
Algeria hold a historical edge over DR Congo, remaining unbeaten in recent encounters. Meetings have often been low-scoring, with defensive battles dominating. The last competitive AFCON clashes date back decades, but friendlies reinforce Algeria’s dominance.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 09.06.2022 | FI | Algeria vs DR Congo | 3-0 |
| 10.10.2019 | FI | Algeria vs DR Congo | 1-1 |
| 26.03.2008 | FI | Algeria vs DR Congo | 1-1 |
| 24.01.2000 | ACN | DR Congo vs Algeria | 0-0 |
| 19.03.1988 | ACN | Algeria vs DR Congo | 1-0 |
Algeria have won two of the last five, with three draws. Goals have been scarce in most games, especially at AFCON. Home advantage in friendlies favoured Algeria recently. DR Congo struggle to find the net against them. This trend suggests another tight, low-margin affair.
Algeria vs DR Congo Predicted Starting Lineups
Lineups in knockout stages can shift based on tactics, fitness, and opponent analysis, but these are the most likely starting XIs heading into the Round of 16 clash. Coaches Vladimir Petković and Sébastien Desabre have favoured consistent selections during the group stage, with Algeria leaning on experience and DR Congo prioritising defensive solidity.
Algeria possible starting lineup
Zidane (GK); Belghali (DF), Mandi (DF), Bensebaini (DF), Dorval (DF); Boudaoui (MF), Bennacer (MF); Amoura (MF), Mahrez (MF), Hadj Moussa (MF); Maza (FW)

DR Congo possible starting lineup
Mpasi-Nzau (GK); Masuaku (DF), Tuanzebe (DF), Mbemba (DF), Wan-Bissaka (DF); Moutoussamy (MF), Sadiki (MF), Mukau (MF); Elia (MF), Bakambu (MF), Bongonda (FW)

Key Match Factors and Team News
Both teams arrive in excellent shape, but several elements could decide the outcome in this knockout clash. Algeria’s depth contrasts with DR Congo’s organisation, while individual battles will prove crucial. Motivation runs high for a quarter-final berth.
- Algeria boast an unbeaten run in 90 minutes stretching 19 games (W11 D8);
- DR Congo often open the scoring, doing so in nine of their last ten internationals;
- Ibrahim Maza has been Algeria’s breakout star with key goal involvements;
- Gaël Kakuta delivered a standout performance with two goals against Botswana;
- Rayan Aït-Nouri and Samir Chergui remain doubts for Algeria due to knocks;
- DR Congo report no fresh injury concerns ahead of the tie;
- Algeria have not conceded first in any of their last nine matches;
- Seven of DR Congo’s last eight games featured under 2.5 goals;
- Dense schedule could test fatigue levels for both squads.
Free Tips on Algeria vs DR Congo
Before placing any bets on this intriguing Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash, consider these practical insights drawn from historical data, recent performances, and match-specific factors. These tips focus on objective elements like scoring patterns, disciplinary trends, and external influences to help identify potential value. Applying them to Algeria’s dominant group stage and DR Congo’s resilient showings can refine your approach.
- Head-to-Head Trends: Algeria remain unbeaten in the last five encounters with DR Congo (W2 D3), and four of those games produced under 2.5 goals total — expect another cagey, low-scoring affair rather than an open shootout.
- Scoring First Advantage: DR Congo have opened the scoring in nine of their last ten internationals, while Algeria have not conceded the first goal in any of their past nine matches — the team that strikes early could dictate a cautious second half.
- Weather and Pitch Conditions: January in Rabat typically brings mild temperatures (around 15-18°C) with low chance of rain; on the natural grass surface at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, this favours technical play and controlled possession over high-intensity chaos.
- Referee Style: Egyptian official Mohamed Maârouf takes charge, known for a balanced approach in high-stakes games — recent AFCON knockouts under similar referees have averaged fewer than 4 cards per match, pointing towards disciplined rather than fractious play.
- Recent Schedule Impact: Both teams benefited from a short rest after group finales on December 30-31; with no major fatigue from congested fixtures, expect full-intensity lineups without forced rotations due to tiredness.
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Algeria vs DR Congo Match Prediction
Algeria enter as favourites thanks to their perfect group stage and superior squad depth, but DR Congo’s defensive resilience and counter-threat make this far from straightforward. The Desert Foxes have shown clinical edge in attack, led by players like Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza, while their backline has been impenetrable. DR Congo excel at frustrating opponents and hitting on the break, as seen in their draw with Senegal and rout of Botswana. Historical trends favour Algeria, who remain unbeaten in this fixture, and their ability to control games without conceding first gives them the edge. However, knockout caution and DR Congo’s scoring habits suggest goals at both ends remain possible. Algeria vs DR Congo odds reflect a close contest, with the market favouring a narrow home win. Expect Algeria to progress, potentially via a one-goal margin or extra time if DR Congo hold firm. Our main pick backs Algeria’s quality to shine through in a tense affair.
Our Prediction: Algeria 1-0 DR Congo
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Algeria Win | 1.99 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 Goals | 1.5 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.64 |
Place your bets on this exciting knockout clash and enjoy competitive lines. You can place a bet on the match – Algeria vs DR Congo on bc.game.