Online Reporter
ALGERIA will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) as the two sides meet in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, tonight.
Kick-off is at 6pm.
Algeria finished atop Group E as one of two sides at the tournament to manage a perfect record, claiming three victories and nine points for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2019. The Fennecs defeated Sudan 3-0 before snatching a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso and finishing their group stage with a 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea. They will be making their second appearance in the competition’s round of 16 after missing out in the last two editions. DR Congo finished second in Group D behind Senegal, losing out on top spot due to goal difference, also collecting seven points from two wins and one draw. This is the second consecutive edition the nation has gone undefeated in the group stage. The Leopards opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Benin before drawing 1-1 with Senegal and beating Botswana 3-0 in their final group game.
Having qualified for the knockout stage for a fifth consecutive edition, they will be looking to go a step further than the 2023 edition, which saw them bomb-out in the semifinals at the hands of the hosts and eventual winners Cote d’lvoire. The two sides have met on seven previous occasions with the Fennecs remaining undefeated, registering three wins and four draws against the Leopards. Two of those meetings have come at AFCON, with a goalless draw in the group stage in 2000 and a 1-0 win for Algeria in 1998. With five days to prepare in between fixtures, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković spoke confidently after his side’s final group stage win.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Algeria — Riyad Mahrez has continued to show his class at the 2025 AFCON. The former CAF African Footballer of the Year has bagged three goals in two games at this year’s edition and will be looking to claim a second continental title with the Fennecs
DR Congo — Cédric Bakambu could prove to be the hero for DR Congo on Tuesday. The Real Betis striker has netted once in two games so far and will be looking to leave his mark on the knockout stage.— AFP Sport.
