Mansion Sports – Knockout phase matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations always present a different atmosphere, filled with tension and a sense of proof.

Algeria face DR Congo to compete for one place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The match is scheduled to take place at Moulay Hassan Stadium on Tuesday, 06 January 2026 at 17.00 local time.

Both teams delivered impressive performances during the group stage, with the Fennec Foxes finishing at the top of Group E with a perfect record, while their opponents collected seven points from a possible nine.

Before this match begins, here is the Mansion Sports prediction for the Algeria vs DR Congo lineups January 2026 below.

Condition of Both Teams Ahead of the Match

Algeria

After being disappointingly eliminated in the group stage of the last two Africa Cup of Nations editions, Algeria arrive in Morocco with a mission of redemption, despite holding the status of the third-highest ranked team on the African continent.

A 3-0 victory over Sudan in the opening match marked a perfect start for Vladimir Petkovic’s side, who then continued their excellent form by defeating Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.

As one of two teams to win all three group matches alongside Nigeria, the Desert Warriors also recorded the joint-highest number of goals scored with eight goals, while conceding the fewest, with only one goal allowed.

Algeria’s solidity on both sides of the pitch could be a decisive factor in their bid to reach the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage for the second time since 2010, and the first time since their title-winning run in 2019.

Having scored the opening goal in each of their last six matches, Algeria will once again require a fast start on Tuesday as they seek to maintain their unbeaten record in the last five meetings against DR Congo in all competitions, although the last three encounters were friendly matches.

DR Congo

After putting Africa on alert through their performances in the World Cup qualifiers, where they need just one more victory to secure a place in North America this year, DR Congo have also delivered a solid display at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

Victories over Benin and Botswana, combined with a 1-1 draw against Senegal, saw Sébastien Desabre’s side finish second in Group D behind Senegal on goal difference, setting up a meeting with Algeria on Tuesday.

Les Leopards are currently unbeaten in eight matches, with seven of those games producing fewer than three goals, and the 3-0 victory over Botswana standing as the only exception.

This record highlights DR Congo’s ability to perform effectively in low-scoring matches, largely supported by a solid defensive line that has conceded only two goals during that period.

However, like Algeria, DR Congo also have a tendency to score first, having done so in nine of their last ten matches across all competitions.

Algeria vs DR Congo Predicted Lineups – January 2026

Algeria (4-2-3-1)

Rayan Ait-Nouri was withdrawn midway through Algeria’s final group-stage match, and the Manchester City player is likely to miss Tuesday’s round of sixteen fixture.

While Ait-Nouri’s availability remains uncertain, Jaouen Hadjam is confirmed to be absent due to an ankle injury sustained against Burkina Faso.

On the attacking front, Riyad Mahrez has scored three goals and is currently just one goal behind Brahim Diaz in the race for the Golden Boot, while Ibrahim Maza is also in contention with two goals.

DR Congo (4-3-3)

For Les Leopards, Arthur Masuaku will undergo a fitness assessment to determine his availability after missing the victory over Botswana due to injury.

If Masuaku is deemed not fit enough to play, Joris Kayembe is expected to be entrusted once again as the starting left-back for the second consecutive match.

With consistent performances from both sides, this match is expected to be closely contested and tactically intense.

The Algeria vs DR Congo Lineups January 2026 provide a clear illustration of how each coach prepares the best possible strategy in pursuit of a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.