Algeria vs DR Congo Predictions - DR Congo to hold Algeria to a draw after 90 minutes at AFCON

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 05 Jan 2026

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John Eastwood 05 Jan 2026

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Algeria and DR Congo are unbeaten in AFCON.
Algeria has a strong defense, while DR Congo drew with Senegal.
Expect a close contest, possibly a 1-1 draw leading to extra time.

Expired

Algeria are unbeaten in six games against DR Congo (Getty)

Algeria vs DR Congo Predictions

This should be a very tightly contested round of 16 clash. Algeria have won all three group games and are very strong at the back. However, DR Congo have proven themselves equally capable, holding Senegal to a draw last time out.

Algeria vs DR Congo Predictions
Head to Head
Algeria Form
Algeria Predicted Lineup & News
DR Congo Form
DR Congo Predicted Lineup & News

Algeria are undefeated in their last 19 matches.
Algeria have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
Algeria have drawn 4 of their last 5 matches against DR Congo.
DR Congo are undefeated in 9 of their last 10 matches.
DR Congo have won 6 of their last 8 matches.

Head to Head

Algeria lead 2-0 in their six matches against DR Congo. Four times they have drawn.

Algeria Form

Algeria won all three group games at the Africa Cup of Nations, starting with a 3-0 win against Sudan. Riyad Mahrez scored the opening two goals in a man of the match performance.

Mahrez scored again in a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso but it wasn’t as easy as their opener. The Desert Warriors ended with 2.00-1.02 xG in Rabat where they survived a late onslaught.

Vladimir Petkovic made many changes against Equatorial Guinea but it made little difference. Zineddine Belaid, Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza scored in the opening 32 minutes as Algeria cruised to a 3-1 win.

Algeria Predicted Lineup & News

Algeria (4-2-3-1) Luca Zidane; Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Hicham Boudaoui, Ismael Bennacer; Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza, Fares Chaibi; Baghdad Bounedjah

Expect Luca Zidane to replace Anthony Mandrea in goal here. Jaouen Hadjam is out with Rayan Ait-Nouri to continue at left-back.

Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza could both start in attack with Mohamed Amoura coming off the bench.

DR Congo Form

DR Congo came to AFCON with confidence after staying alive in the World Cup qualifiers. Theo Bongonda scored early to secure a 1-0 victory over Benin, ultimately deserved after ending with 1.49-0.49 xG.

Cedric Bakambu gave Sebastien Desabre’s side the lead against Senegal. They ended the match strong, taking a 1-1 draw against one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The Leopards had to work hard against Benin in their opening game at AFCON. Theo Bongonda scored early which was enough for a 1-0 win, ending with 48% possession and 11-12 shots.

Gael Kakuta played a starring role in a 3-0 win over Botswana which secured second spot in Group D. The 34-year-old assisted Nathanael Mbuku before scoring twice as Congo ended with 28-6 shots and 4.02-0.27 xG.

DR Congo Predicted Lineup & News

DR Congo (4-2-3-1) Lionel Mpasi; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku; Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki; Theo Bongonda, Gael Kakuta, Nathanael Mbuku; Cedric Bakambu

Gael Kakuta could be rewarded with a start following his dominant performance against Botswana.

Verdict

Algeria v DR Congo

Algeria and DR Congo are unbeaten at the Africa Cup of Nations which should make this a close clash. I think the Leopards' defence can hold their own and take this one to extra time.