Rabat Stalemate: Analyzing the Algeria vs. DR Congo Round of 16 Battle

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hit a peak in Rabat as Algeria vs DR Congo played out a tense Round of 16 clash at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Both sides arrived unbeaten from the group stage, and their January 6, 2026 meeting quickly became a test of patience and defensive structure. Algeria’s perfect group-stage form met a Congolese “Leopards” team adept at neutralizing top opponents, producing a disciplined, goalless 90 minutes that sent the tie into extra time.

Tactical Blueprint: Algeria’s Offensive Persistence

Under Vladimir Petković, Algeria have embraced a high-tempo, possession-driven approach built on width and rapid vertical movement. In Rabat, they controlled nearly 75% of possession for long periods of the first half, repeatedly attacking down the flanks through Rayan Aït-Nouri and Riyad Mahrez. Ibrahim Maza remained central to their threat, nearly opening the scoring with a driven effort in the 43rd minute. However, despite their technical control, the Fennecs struggled to break through DR Congo’s compact central defensive block.

Defensive Prowess: DR Congo’s Unyielding Resistance

Structural Integrity and Mid-Block Success Sébastien Desabre’s DR Congo side has built its 2025 campaign on structural integrity. Faced with Algeria’s superior possession, the Leopards successfully deployed a disciplined mid-block that forced Algerian attackers into low-percentage areas. The center-back pairing of Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe proved pivotal, intercepting key crosses and limiting clear-cut chances for Algerian strikers. Furthermore, the addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka provided elite 1v1 defensive coverage on the right flank, effectively slowing down Algeria’s pace in transition. Despite being on the back foot, DR Congo nearly snatched a late winner in the 91st minute when Fiston Mayele’s goalward header was narrowly deflected.

Historical Trends: The Cycle of Level Results

A Rivalry Defined by Parity The Round of 16 encounter in Rabat continued a remarkable historical trend in this fixture. Prior to this match, the last four meetings between Algeria and DR Congo had all ended in draws, including three consecutive 1-1 friendly results. While Algeria leads the overall head-to-head record with 3 wins and 4 draws in 7 matches, they have found it increasingly difficult to find a decisive result against the Leopards in the modern era. This persistence of stalemates highlights the tactical evolution of DR Congo, who have now reached their fifth consecutive AFCON knockout phase (2015–2025), matching the consistency of the continent’s most elite nations.