Algeria will take on DR Congo at Stade Prince Moulay Hassan on Tuesday, with both teams battling for a place in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations up from grabs.
The 2019 winners had a perfect group stage, while the Leopards finished second in their group, only behind Senegal due to an inferior goal difference.
After reading our Algeria vs DR Congo prediction, remember to check out other football predictions for today.
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Algeria vs DR Congo prediction: Algeria to win (narrow margin)
Key statistics
- Algeria finished the group stage with a 100% record (W3).
- The Greens are unbeaten in 90 minutes in 19 matches (W11, D8).
- Only one of Algeria’s last four AFCON knockout games was decided by 2+ goals.
- DR Congo have progressed from the group stage in four consecutive AFCON tournaments.
- Both of DR Congo’s Round of 16 matches since 2019 were settled by penalties.
Correct score prediction: Algeria 1-0 DR Congo
A tight encounter is expected, with Algeria’s control likely proving just enough to edge past stubborn opposition.
Pre-game odds and implied probabilities
- Algeria: 19/20 – 1.95 (51.3%)
- Draw: 21/10 – 3.10 (32.3%)
- DR Congo: 13/5 – 3.60 (27.8%)
*Odds subject to change
The market reflects Algeria’s strong form, but the relatively short price on the draw hints at expectations of a closely fought battle.
Head-to-head history: Few goals, fine margins
This will be the first competitive meeting between these sides since a 2022 friendly, which Algeria won 3-0 to extend their unbeaten run in the fixture.
Interestingly, across their two previous AFCON tournament meetings, just one goal was scored in total, a trend that supports the expectation of another low-scoring affair.
International Match 09/06/22
Algeria
Congo DR
Algeria preview: Control over chaos
Algeria’s perfect group stage was built on authority. Victories over Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea showcased balance across all areas of the pitch, with the Greens conceding just once.
That consistency has carried over from qualifying and friendlies, leaving Vladimir Petkovic’s side among the tournament favourites.
However, history tempers optimism, as Algeria have only progressed beyond the first knockout round once since 2010, and recent AFCON ties involving the Greens are rarely comfortable.
With a couple of fitness doubts, notably Rayan Aït-Nouri and Samir Chergui, squad depth may be tested, but Algeria’s structure remains their biggest weapon.
Predicted lineup: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bennacer; Mahrez, Chaibi, Amoura; Bounedjah
Algeria’s last five results
- 31.12.25 – Equatorial Guinea 1-3 Algeria
- 28.12.25 – Algeria 1-0 Burkina Faso
- 24.12.25 – Algeria 3-0 Sudan
- 12.12.25 – Algeria 1-2 United Arab Emirates
- 09.12.25 – Algeria 2-0 Iraq
DR Congo preview: Comfortable as outsiders
DR Congo’s route to the knockout stages followed a more understated narrative, but it was no less effective. A convincing 3-0 win over Botswana sealed progression with a four-point cushion, underlining the Leopards’ growing reliability at this level.
Their recent AFCON history is built on resilience. Both of their Round of 16 appearances since the format expansion in 2019 went the distance, and on each occasion, the underdog emerged victorious, including their memorable penalty shootout win over Egypt in the last edition.
With no fresh injury concerns, Sebastien Desabre has a settled squad capable of frustrating even the most composed opponents.
Predicted lineup: Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Bongonda, Kayembe; Sadiki, Mbuku; Bakambu
DR Congo’s last five results
- 30.12.25 – Botswana 0-3 DR Congo
- 27.12.25 – Senegal 1-1 DR Congo
- 23.12.25 – DR Congo 1-0 Benin
- 16.12.25 – DR Congo 2-0 Zambia
- 16.11.25 – Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo (DR Congo won on penalties)
Player to watch: Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
One of the breakout performers of the tournament, Maza has already contributed two goals and an assist. His ability to find space between the lines could be crucial in unlocking a disciplined DR Congo defence, especially if chances are at a premium.
