Overview
After two disappointing stops right from the group stage in the last two AFCONs, Algeria came to Morocco with the determination to reaffirm its position, even though it was only ranked third in the continent.
The 3-0 victory over Sudan in the opening match created momentum for a perfect start for Vladimir Petkovic's team, before they continued to overcome Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. As one of the two teams that won all 3 group stage matches, besides Nigeria, "Desert Warriors" also lead in goals (8) and possess the most solid defense with only 1 goal conceded.
Balance in both attack and defense can become the key for Algeria in the journey to conquer the AFCON knockout round for the second time since 2010, and the first time since the 2019 championship.
After scoring the opening goal in all 6 recent matches, Algeria continues to need a quick start in the next match. They will aim to extend their 5-match unbeaten streak against Congo in all competitions, even though the three most recent encounters between the two teams have been just friendly matches.
In the opposite direction, after impressing in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - where they are only one victory away from the ticket to North America - Congo also showed a positive face at this AFCON.
Victories against Benin and Botswana, interspersed with a 1-1 draw with Senegal, helped coach Sebastien Desabre's team rank second in Group D. They are only behind Senegal in goal difference, thereby winning the right to face Algeria.
Les Leopards" are currently unbeaten in 8 consecutive matches, 7 of which have a total of less than three goals, except for the most recent 3-0 victory over Botswana. This series of matches reflects the ability to control well in low-scoring situations, in which the defense is definitely an important foundation as they have only conceded 2 goals in this period.
However, like Algeria, Congo scored the opening goal in 9 of the last 10 matches in all competitions.
Personnel situation
Rayan Ait-Nouri was withdrawn midway in Algeria's last group stage match, and the Manchester City defender is likely to be absent from the round of 16.
While Ait-Nouri's ability to play is still uncertain, Jaouen Hadjam is definitely unable to participate due to an ankle injury sustained in the victory over Burkina Faso.
In the attacking front, Riyad Mahrez has 3 goals and is currently only one goal behind Brahim Diaz in the Golden Shoe race. Ibrahim Maza is also closely following with two goals.
On the Congo side, Arthur Masuaku will be checked for fitness to determine his ability to play, after missing the victory over Botswana due to injury.
If Masuaku does not qualify, Joris Kayembe is likely to start for the second consecutive match in the left-back position.
Expected lineup:
Zidane, Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Dorval, Boudaoui, Bennacer, Amoura, Mahrez, Hadj Moussa, Maza.
Mpasi-Nzau, Masuaku, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau, Elia, Bakambu, Bongonda.
The match between Algeria and Congo takes place at 11:00 PM on January 6 (Vietnam time).
