The AFCON 2025 knockout stage turns to Rabat this Tuesday as Algeria vs DR Congo headlines the Round of 16 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Algeria arrives in dominant form after a perfect group stage, defeating Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea. DR Congo, meanwhile, earned a reputation as the tournament’s “immovable object,” advancing unbeaten from Group D in second place behind Senegal. For fans in Australia and beyond, the clash highlights a sharp contrast in styles—Algeria’s aggressive attacking play against DR Congo’s disciplined, counter-focused resilience. With both sides unbeaten, this winner-takes-all encounter leaves no room for a draw.
Algeria’s Dominance: The Numbers Behind the Form
Clinical Execution in the Final Third Algeria’s journey through the group stages was nothing short of a statement. After several years of rebuilding and tactical adjustments, “Les Fennecs” appear to have found the perfect chemistry under head coach Vladimir Petković. Their ability to transition from a solid defensive block to a devastating counter-attack has left opponents struggling to keep pace, culminating in seven goals scored and only one conceded across three matches. The statistics from their opening phase suggest a team peaking at exactly the right moment for a championship charge.
The Leopards’ Blueprint: Defensive Stability
Denying Space to Elite Opponents DR Congo’s success in AFCON 2025 has been built on a foundation of structural integrity and a hard-to-beat mentality. They do not rely on a single superstar to carry the load; instead, they operate as a cohesive unit under Sébastien Desabre that excels at closing down passing lanes. This defensive discipline was most evident in their tactical 1-1 draw against a highly-rated Senegal side earlier in the tournament. Their strategy in Rabat revolves around soaking up pressure before exploiting the wings through their physical presence and tactical discipline.
Managers’ Perspective: The Chess Match in Rabat
Both coaching staffs acknowledge the fine margins surrounding Algeria vs DR Congo. Vladimir Petković has refreshed Algeria with youth, relying on players like Ibrahim Maza to add energy and tempo. That approach faces a stern test against a DR Congo side shaped by Sébastien Desabre into a resilient unit, unbeaten in eight competitive matches before the tournament. The outcome may hinge on a single moment—individual brilliance or a lapse at a set piece. While Algeria has dominated possession, DR Congo excel at absorbing pressure and forcing mistakes. Ultimately, midfield control will decide whether Algeria unlock their attacking depth or if the Leopards grind out a fifth straight draw in this historic fixture.
Breaking the Historical Stalemate
History points to a familiar pattern in Algeria vs DR Congo, with goals often at a premium. The fixture has been defined by stalemates, as each of the last four meetings ended in draws. Algeria holds the historical edge, recording three wins and four draws from seven encounters, yet DR Congo have repeatedly found ways to frustrate them, including three consecutive 1–1 draws in friendly matches. This contest also marks the first AFCON meeting between the two sides in 26 years. For DR Congo, the challenge is symbolic—breaking an Algerian barrier they have not overcome since before 1988. For Algeria, it is about sustaining their status among Africa’s elite while pushing toward a seventh quarterfinal appearance.
💬 In-depth analysis
Exploring the historical context and tactical nuances of this knockout fixture.
