The 2019 AFCON champions Algeria are eager to book a place in the quarters when they take on DR Congo on Tuesday evening at the Stade Prince Moulay Stadium.
Both sides remain unbeaten in the ongoing tournament with Algeria finishing top of Group E after winning all their matches.
Congo on the other hand, finished second in Group D level on points with winners Senegal, who held them to a 1-1 draw in matchday two.
That remains the only goal that Congo have conceded at the 2025 edition of continental tournament, finishing the Group stage off with a convincing 3-0 victory against Botswana.
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Algeria have also just conceded once in a 3-1 win against Equatorial Guinea as they look to put their successive group stage exits at the last two editions behind them.
Victories against Benin and Botswana seem to have inspired Congo, who are keen to extend their admirable eight-match unbeaten run to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Algeria may have a superior record against Congo in their recent head-to-head encounters, but this will be an uphill task with plenty on the line.
Here we have a look at all the key details of the match as well as our predicted outcome.
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Team news
The hosts are likely to do without the services of Rayan Ait-Nouri who was substituted against Equatorial Guinea with an injury. Their top scorer Riyad Mahrez has scored three goals and will start alongside Ibrahim Maza in the final third. No other changes are expected from the side.
Arthur Masuaku is expected to return to the Congo starting XI after recovering from injury, meaning Joris Kayembe will be relegated to the bench. Veteran forward Cedric Bakambu and Theo Bongonda will also start in the final third.
Head-to-head and current form
Congo have never beaten Algeria before and they will be aiming to change the narrative here.
However, they come into the game unbeaten in their last eight, while Algeria have lost once in that run.
Current form
Algeria – WWWDW
Congo – WDWWD
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Previous games
Algeria 3-0 Congo (June 9, 2022)
Algeria 1-1 Congo (October 10, 2019)
Algeria 1-1 Congo (March 26, 2008)
Congo 0-0 Algeria (January 24, 2000)
Algeria 1-0 Congo (March 19, 1988)
Prediction
This is expected to be a cagey encounter with both sides looking to get one over their opponents. Both sides have shown their attacking prowess in front of goal and are expected to score in this match.
Both teams to score @2.20 odds provides the best betting option.
Photo: Mahugnon Leopold Soglo/Gallo Images
