Algeria vs DR Congo Prediction & Picks - AFCON
Africa - AFCON
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by Erik Gibbs | in AFCON Picks
Algeria and DR Congo arrive at their AFCON round-of-16 meeting on January 6 with momentum built across qualifiers, friendlies, and tournament play over the past year. Algeria have looked re-energized under new management, balancing experienced internationals with emerging domestic and European-based talent. Their calendar leading into AFCON featured World Cup qualifiers, regional competition, and warm-up matches that helped stabilize the squad after an inconsistent previous cycle.
DR Congo, meanwhile, have quietly rebuilt into one of the tournament's most cohesive sides, focusing on structure and squad depth rather than star dependency. Their preparation has included competitive qualifiers and well-chosen friendlies, allowing newer players to integrate alongside veterans. Both teams entered the tournament with realistic expectations of advancing beyond the group stage, and neither has looked overawed by pressure, reinforcing their reputations as disciplined and tactically adaptable African contenders.
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Algeria vs DR Congo Form
Algeria and DR Congo Latest Matches
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 31, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 28, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 24, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 12, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 9, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 6, 2025 - Arab Cup
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 28, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 24, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 12, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 9, 2025 - Arab Cup
Dec 3, 2025 - Arab Cup
Nov 13, 2025 - International Friendlies
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 31, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 6, 2025 - Arab Cup
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 9, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 23, 2025 - African Nations Championship
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 30, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 27, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 23, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 16, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 16, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 13, 2025 - World Cup
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 23, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 16, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 14, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 9, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 17, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 7, 2025 - African Nations Championship
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 30, 2025 - AFCON
Dec 27, 2025 - AFCON
Nov 16, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 13, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 10, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 5, 2025 - World Cup
Algeria - DR Congo: Form Analysis
Recent performances underline why this matchup is viewed as one of the most evenly balanced ties in the knockout round. Algeria were near-flawless in group play, winning all three matches with a blend of defensive control and timely attacking bursts. They limited opponents to very few clear chances while maintaining composure in close games, a hallmark of tournament-savvy teams.
DR Congo's ability to absorb pressure and then strike decisively stood out, particularly in matches where they ceded possession but controlled space effectively.
DR Congo followed a slightly different path but were equally impressive, finishing their group unbeaten with a mix of pragmatic defending and explosive attacking spells. Statistically, both sides posted strong defensive numbers and avoided heavy scorelines, suggesting a shared emphasis on structure. The contrast lies mainly in tempo, with Algeria generally dictating play and DR Congo appearing comfortable reacting and countering.
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Algeria against DR Congo Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 4 - 3 - 3
Formation : 5 - 3 - 2
Algeria & DR Congo Squad Analysis
Individual performances have played a major role in shaping both teams' recent success. Algeria continue to rely on experienced leaders in wide and advanced positions, with senior attackers providing goals and younger midfielders offering energy and ball progression. Creativity from wide areas and intelligent movement between the lines have been consistent themes, while the back line has benefited from clear communication and positional discipline.
DR Congo's playmakers have contributed goals, assists, and key transitions, often stepping up in decisive moments.
For DR Congo, several attacking players have enjoyed standout moments, particularly those capable of operating between midfield and forward lines. Defensively, DR Congo's spine has been equally important, with center-backs and holding midfielders limiting opposition chances and allowing attacking players freedom to take risks. The balance between experience and form players on both sides gives each coach multiple tactical options.
Most goals and assists
Algeria
DR Congo
R. Mahrez
(3 Goals)
G. Kakuta
(2 Goals)
A. Hadj Moussa
(2 Assists)
,
H. Boudaoui
(2 Assists)
G. Kakuta
(1 Assists)
,
A. Masuaku
(1 Assists)
,
T. Bongonda
(1 Assists)
Algeria - DR Congo Key Points
- The Over is 3-2 in Algeria's last 5 games
- The Over is 2-3 in DR Congo's last 5 games
- Algeria are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
- DR Congo are 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games
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Our Algeria vs DR Congo Prediction
Looking ahead to the knockout clash, the game shapes up as a cautious but compelling contest where small margins are likely to decide the outcome. Algeria's preference for controlling possession may clash with DR Congo's comfort in defending compactly and breaking quickly, creating a tactical battle rather than an open shootout.
Given both teams' recent defensive records, a low- to moderate-scoring match appears more likely than a goal-heavy affair. Algeria may hold a slight edge due to their consistency and ability to manage game states, but DR Congo's resilience makes them dangerous if the match stays level deep into the second half. From a betting perspective, narrow scorelines, unders on total goals, or Algeria edging the result all align with recent trends. Our prediction for Algeria vs. DR Congo: Under 2.5 goals.
Algeria vs DR Congo - Other Interesting Picks
Fares Chaibi to 0.5+ assists
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
