Tension filled Rabat as Algeria vs DR Congo met in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, with a quarterfinal spot on the line. Played on January 6, 2026, the clash featured two unbeaten sides and unfolded as a cautious, defensively disciplined contest. Algeria controlled possession under Vladimir Petković but struggled to break down Sébastien Desabre’s compact Congolese block. With chances limited, the match ended 0–0 after 90 minutes, marking a sixth draw in their last nine competitive meetings.
Systemic Overlap: Defensive Steel vs. Midfield Control
Algeria lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1, relying on Ibrahim Maza’s creativity and Riyad Mahrez’s experience to break down the Leopards. Despite controlling 68% possession, the Fennecs were frequently pushed wide, where Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba dominated key 1v1 battles. DR Congo’s compact 4-3-3 mid-block remained difficult to penetrate, prioritizing space denial and quick counters. That approach nearly paid off in the 91st minute, when Fiston Mayele’s powerful header was sharply saved by Luca Zidane.
Standout Performers: Individual Brilliance in a Team Context
The match tempo shifted in the second half after key changes on both sides. Ismaël Bennacer’s forced withdrawal in the 49th minute with a suspected hamstring injury disrupted Algeria’s midfield control. Later, Vladimir Petković replaced captain Riyad Mahrez with Anis Hadj Moussa to add pace in the 70th minute. For DR Congo, goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi delivered a standout performance, producing a vital low save from Farès Chaibi in the first half of extra time to keep the match level.
💬 Deep Analysis & Recommendations
Strategic insights and key details regarding the Rabat knockout encounter.
