Algeria vs D.R. Congo Prediction & Betting Tips (6 January)

Algeria had not left its CAN group since its title in 2019. Vladimir Petkovic therefore accomplished his first objective for his first participation in the competition on the Fennecs bench, thanks to victories against Sudan 3-0, Burkina Faso 1-0 and Equatorial Guinea 1-3 which allowed his team to overtake Burkina Faso at the top of Group E. The Algerians prepared the continental competition with the satisfaction of having made their comeback in the World Cup. Absent from the event since their round of 16 in Brazil in 2014, they stunned the competition by dominating their qualifying group ahead of Uganda and Mozambique. Algeria rode the wave and gleaned success in friendly matches in November against Zimbabwe 3-1 and Saudi Arabia 0-2.

 Outgoing semi-finalist of the African Cup of Nations, the Democratic Republic of Congo took second place in its group, tied on points with a team from Senegal which it neutralized 1-1 on the program for the 2nd day. The Leopards relied on an inaugural success against Benin 1-0 and another wider one, at the end of the group stage against Botswana 0-3, to hang on to the lead. One step away from qualifying for the World Cup, they are also a team in form on the African continent. 2nd in its qualifying group, already behind Senegal, DR Congo qualified in November for the final of the intercontinental play-offs to the detriment of Cameroon 0-1 and Nigeria 1-1, 3-4 TAB. 

The historical context between these two sides adds another layer of intrigue. DR Congo have never beaten Algeria in their recorded meetings, with Algeria holding two wins and four draws across competitive and friendly fixtures. Their last meeting of note was a friendly in 2022, but the stakes are far higher this time, and both teams know that knockout football often ignores history. Algeria’s recent form suggests a team comfortable controlling matches, while DR Congo’s blend of physicality and quick combinations has made them unpredictable. With both sides having shown improved performances in the past two months, this match feels like a collision of contrasting strengths rather than a predictable tactical script.

As for what might unfold on the pitch, the margins appear thin, and the tone of recent performances suggests a match defined by discipline rather than chaos. Algeria’s defensive structure has been one of the most consistent features of their campaign, while DR Congo have shown they can be compact when required, even against stronger opposition. Given the balance of form, the psychological edge Algeria hold, and the narrow nature of their recent victories, the most reasonable prediction leans toward a tight contest decided by a single moment. We are predicting a 1 : 0 correct score.

• Summary: Algeria is going head to head with DR Congo starting on 6 Jan 2026 at 16:00 UTC at Moulay Hassan Stadium stadium, Rabat city, Morocco. The match is a part of the Africa Cup of Nations, Knockout stage .
• Algeria Feedinco Rating: 7.01
• D.R. Congo Feedinco Rating: 6.87