Algeria vs DR Congo Prediction 06.01.2026 | Africa Cup of Nations

Progressing into the knockout stages as one of the tournament's most impressive sides, Algeria have cemented their credentials with a flawless group stage performance, claiming victory in all three matches to top Group E with authority.

The Desert Foxes enter this phase on the back of an outstanding run of form, suffering just a single setback—a penalty shootout defeat to the UAE in the FIFA Arab Cup quarter-finals—across their last 13 fixtures in all competitions, underlining their status as genuine title contenders.

Throughout their current campaign, Algeria have excelled at both ends of the pitch, but their real threat lies with the in-form Riyad Mahrez, who has already netted three goals in the tournament. Driven and determined, they will be eager to banish memories of early exits in the last two AFCON editions.

However, a potential concern looms as Esperance Tunis centre-back Mohamed Amine Tougai was substituted in the 60th minute of the final group match with a suspected injury, leaving his availability for Tuesday’s clash against DR Congo in doubt.

Meanwhile, DR Congo head into this challenging Round of 16 clash in Rabat buoyed by an impressive eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions, claiming victory in seven of those encounters.

Under the guidance of experienced French tactician Sebastien Desabre, the Leopards have established themselves as a resilient and defensively astute side at the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing second in Group D with two wins and an impressive 1-1 draw against Senegal.

Their defensive organization has been their standout strength, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just once throughout the group stage, a testament to their resilience and determination to make a mark with a strong finish.

The 34-year-old Sakaryaspor playmaker Gael Kakuta is expected to start in Tuesday’s crucial tie, after starring in Matchday Three with a clinical brace in DR Congo’s commanding 3-0 demolition of Botswana.