Algeria vs Congo DR Prediction: Algeria will likely defeat Congo DR 2-1 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as the Fennec Foxes possess superior attacking firepower with eight goals scored in the group stage compared to Congo DR’s five goals, while both teams demonstrated strong defensive records by conceding only one goal each during the group phase.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – Round of 16 |
| Date | Tuesday, January 7, 2025 |
| Venue | Stade Prince Moulay Hassan, Rabat, Morocco |
| Algeria Form | W-W-W (Group Stage: 100% record) |
| Congo DR Form | W-D-W (Group Stage: 7 points) |
| Head-to-Head | Algeria unbeaten in last 5 meetings |
Key Facts
- Algeria finished top of Group E with three consecutive victories, scoring eight goals and conceding just one.
- Congo DR secured second place in Group D with seven points, finishing behind Senegal on goal difference.
- The Desert Warriors are one of only two teams to win all three group matches, alongside Nigeria.
- Congo DR remains unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions.
- Algeria scored first in each of their last six matches, showing strong early-game dominance.
- Congo DR conceded only two goals during their eight-match unbeaten run.
- The last three meetings between these nations were friendly matches, with Algeria maintaining an unbeaten record.
- Both teams demonstrated defensive solidity during the group stages, with Algeria conceding one goal and Congo DR conceding one goal.
On This Page
Algeria vs Congo DR Preview and Prediction
Algeria enters this knockout encounter with renewed confidence after disappointing group-stage exits in their previous two Nations Cup campaigns.
Vladimir Petkovic‘s squad arrived in Morocco as the third-highest-ranked team on the continent, determined to prove their credentials.
The Fennec Foxes delivered a statement performance in Group E, dismantling Sudan 3-0 in their opening match before securing victories against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.
Congo DR, under Sebastien Desabre’s guidance, has impressed throughout the tournament.
Les Leopards showcased their quality with wins over Benin and Botswana, sandwiched around a 1-1 draw with Senegal.
Their recent form in World Cup qualifiers, where they sit just one win away from securing passage to North America, has elevated expectations around the squad.
The tactical battle promises intrigue. Algeria’s attacking prowess, evidenced by their joint-highest goal tally of eight in the group stage, contrasts with Congo DR’s defensive resilience.
The Congolese side has mastered the art of low-scoring affairs, with seven of their last eight matches producing fewer than three goals.
Predicted Algeria vs Congo DR Lineups
Algeria Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Zidane
Defenders: Belghali (Right Back), Mandi (Center Back), Bensebaini (Center Back), Dorval (Left Back)
Midfielders: Boudaoui (Defensive Midfield), Bennacer (Defensive Midfield)
Attacking Midfielders: Amoura (Right Wing), Mahrez (Attacking Midfield), Hadj Moussa (Left Wing)
Forward: Maza (Striker)
Congo DR Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Mpasi-Nzau
Defenders: Wan-Bissaka (Right Back), Mbemba (Center Back), Tuanzebe (Center Back), Masuaku (Left Back)
Midfielders: Moutoussamy (Central Midfield), Sadiki (Central Midfield), Mukau (Central Midfield)
Forwards: Bongonda (Right Wing), Bakambu (Striker), Elia (Left Wing)
Masuaku’s inclusion depends on his fitness assessment. If unavailable, Joris Kayembe will start at left-back.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s potential absence for Algeria could see tactical adjustments in the defensive line.
Tactical Analysis and Formations
Algeria operates with a fluid attacking system that emphasizes width and quick transitions.
Petkovic typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing creative players to exploit spaces between opposition lines.
The team’s ability to score first in consecutive matches reflects their aggressive approach and tactical discipline.
Congo DR favors a more conservative setup, prioritizing defensive organization before launching counter-attacks.
Desabre’s preferred 4-3-3 formation provides numerical superiority in midfield while maintaining defensive stability.
The team’s success in opening the scoring in nine of their last ten matches demonstrates their efficiency in transition moments.
The midfield battle will determine this contest. Algeria’s technical superiority must overcome Congo DR’s physical presence and tactical discipline.
The Fennec Foxes will look to dominate possession and create overloads in wide areas, while Les Leopards will seek to absorb pressure and exploit spaces on the break.
Team News and Injuries
Algeria Injury Concerns
Rayan Ait-Nouri faces a fitness assessment after being substituted during the final group match against Equatorial Guinea.
The Manchester City defender’s availability remains uncertain for the knockout clash.
Jaouen Hadjam will definitely miss the encounter due to an ankle injury sustained in the match against Burkina Faso.
His absence weakens Algeria’s defensive options and could force tactical adjustments.
Congo DR Injury Update
Arthur Masuaku’s participation hangs in the balance as medical staff evaluate his condition.
The experienced left-back sat out the victory over Botswana through injury. If Masuaku cannot recover in time, Joris Kayembe will continue at left-back, having started the previous match.
The team otherwise appears to have a clean bill of health heading into this crucial fixture.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Ait-Nouri’s potential absence would significantly impact Algeria’s defensive structure and attacking transitions from the back.
His pace and technical ability provide an outlet for counter-attacks and help maintain defensive balance.
Masuaku’s experience and defensive awareness are crucial for Congo DR when facing Algeria’s dynamic attacking threats. His absence could expose vulnerabilities on the left flank that Algeria’s attackers will target.
Key Players to Watch
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
The former Manchester City star has scored three goals in the tournament, sitting just one behind the Golden Boot leader.
Mahrez’s ability to create chances from nothing and his clinical finishing make him Algeria’s most dangerous attacking weapon.
His movement between the lines and set-piece delivery will test Congo DR’s defensive organization.
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
With two goals already, Maza has emerged as a secondary scoring threat. His direct running and willingness to shoot from distance add unpredictability to Algeria’s attack.
The young forward’s energy and pressing intensity will be vital in disrupting Congo DR’s build-up play.
Brahim Diaz (Algeria)
Currently leading the Golden Boot race, Diaz brings creativity and goal-scoring instincts. His technical quality and spatial awareness allow him to find pockets of space in congested areas.
Congo DR Defensive Unit
The collective defensive performance has been outstanding, conceding just two goals in eight matches.
The partnership between Axel Tuanzebe and Chancel Mbemba provides physical presence and organizational leadership.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s defensive discipline and recovery pace will be crucial against Algeria’s wide attackers.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The historical record favors Algeria, who remain unbeaten in their last five encounters with Congo DR.
The most recent competitive meeting occurred during the 2022 international window, where Algeria secured a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Before that, a 2019 friendly ended 1-1, demonstrating Congo DR’s ability to compete despite the overall record.
Looking further back, a 2008 friendly also finished 1-1, while the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations group stage meeting ended goalless.
The 1988 AFCON encounter saw Algeria claim a 1-0 victory.
This historical pattern suggests tight contests with Algeria holding a slight edge, though the recent friendlies indicate Congo DR has closed the competitive gap.
Statistical Comparison
Group Stage Performance
Algeria dominated their group with nine points from three matches, scoring eight goals while conceding one.
Their attacking efficiency stands out, with multiple goal scorers contributing throughout the campaign.
The defensive record, allowing just one goal, demonstrates tactical discipline and organizational strength.
Congo DR accumulated seven points, scoring five goals and conceding one. Their defensive record matches Algeria’s, highlighting their tactical maturity.
The draw against Senegal showcased their ability to compete against top-tier opposition.
Current Form Trajectory
Algeria’s three consecutive wins in the group stage followed a penalty shootout loss to the United Arab Emirates in the Arab Cup.
Prior to that defeat, they defeated Iraq 2-0, showing resilience after setbacks.
Congo DR’s eight-match unbeaten streak includes a 2-0 friendly victory over Zambia and a dramatic penalty shootout win against Nigeria in World Cup qualifying.
This momentum provides psychological confidence heading into knockout football.
Where to Watch Live?
The match will be broadcast across multiple platforms globally. In India, FanCode holds exclusive streaming rights.
African viewers can access the match through SuperSport Football Plus ROA, DStv Now, and AfroSport TV.
European audiences can watch via beIN Sports networks, DAZN in select countries, and Sportdigital FUSSBALL.
North American fans can tune in through beIN SPORTS, fuboTV, and Fanatiz.
Standings and Tournament Context
Group D Final Standings
- Senegal – 7 points
- Congo DR – 7 points
- Benin – 3 points
- Botswana – 0 points
Group E Final Standings
- Algeria – 9 points
- Burkina Faso – 6 points
- Sudan – 3 points
- Equatorial Guinea – 0 points
Match Prediction
Algeria’s superior attacking firepower and perfect group stage record make them favorites.
Their ability to score first consistently puts opponents under immediate pressure.
However, Congo DR’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat cannot be dismissed.
The Congolese side has proven capable of frustrating superior opponents and capitalizing on limited opportunities.
The tactical battle between Algeria’s possession-based approach and Congo DR’s defensive discipline will define the outcome.
Algeria’s home advantage, playing in North Africa, provides additional motivation.
The expected scoreline favors Algeria 2-1, with their attacking quality ultimately breaking down Congo DR’s defensive structure.
The match will likely remain tight until the final stages, with both teams creating limited clear chances due to defensive organization.
Congo DR’s ability to score first in recent matches gives them a pathway to victory, but Algeria’s depth and quality across the squad should prove decisive in knockout football.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Algeria vs Congo DR Live?
Fans can watch Algeria vs Congo DR live on FanCode in India, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV in the United States, SuperSport Football Plus ROA and DStv Now across Africa, DAZN in Germany and Austria, and beIN Sports networks across the Middle East and North Africa for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 knockout match on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Who Will Win Algeria vs Congo DR Match?
Algeria will likely win the match against Congo DR because the Fennec Foxes won all three group stage matches with a perfect nine-point record while scoring eight goals, maintained an unbeaten streak in their last five meetings against Congo DR, and possess superior attacking quality through players like Riyad Mahrez who has scored three tournament goals.
What is Algeria vs Congo DR Match Kick-Off Time?
The Algeria vs Congo DR match kicks off on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan in Rabat, Morocco as part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 knockout stage, though the exact kick-off time varies by broadcast region and timezone.
Are There Any Injuries in Algeria vs Congo DR Match?
Algeria faces injury concerns as Jaouen Hadjam will miss the match due to an ankle injury sustained against Burkina Faso while Rayan Ait-Nouri’s availability remains doubtful after being substituted in the final group game, and Congo DR’s Arthur Masuaku requires a fitness assessment after sitting out the Botswana victory, with Joris Kayembe ready to replace him at left-back if needed.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Algeria vs Congo DR Match?
The predicted scoreline for Algeria vs Congo DR is 2-1 in favor of Algeria based on the Fennec Foxes’ dominant group stage performance where they scored eight goals in three matches, their ability to score first in each of their last six matches, and Congo DR’s defensive resilience that has seen them concede only two goals in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Algeria Standing with Points?
Algeria finished first in Group E with nine points from three matches after defeating Sudan 3-0, Burkina Faso 1-0, and Equatorial Guinea 3-1, scoring eight goals while conceding only one goal to achieve a perfect 100% win record in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
Congo DR Standing With Points?
Congo DR finished second in Group D with seven points from three matches after defeating Benin 1-0 and Botswana 3-0 while drawing 1-1 with Senegal, scoring five goals and conceding one goal to qualify for the Round of 16 behind Senegal on goal difference at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.