History, youths, nerves converge as Algeria, DR Congo renew AFCON rivalry
History, youths, nerves converge as Algeria, DR Congo renew AFCON rivalry
By Victor Okoye, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
History, youthful energy and knockout tension converge on Tuesday as Algeria and DR Congo renew their AFCON rivalry in the Round of 16 for the first time in 26 years at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, Rabat.
Kick-off is 5 p.m. (Nigerian time), with both sides chasing momentum and a quarter-final place at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025.
This is only their third AFCON meeting, following clashes in 1998 and 2000, both of which ended with Algeria progressing at DR Congo’s expense.
Algeria won 1–0 in 1998 through Abdelkader Ferhaoui, before a goalless draw in Kumasi at the 2000 edition.
The Desert Foxes have kept clean sheets in both AFCON meetings and remain unbeaten against DR Congo in seven encounters overall.
Historically, Algeria hold three wins and four draws from seven matches, with the last four meetings ending level.
Their most recent encounter, a 2019 friendly, finished 1–1 after goals from Islam Slimani and Cédric Bakambu.
Algeria arrive in Rabat in ominous form, winning all three group matches and scoring seven goals while conceding just once.
It is their highest group-stage goal tally since 1990 and their first clean group run since lifting the trophy in 2019.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic praised his youthful squad, which fielded one of the youngest starting elevens of the tournament.
“My players exceeded expectations,” Petkovic said. “Their tactical discipline and fighting spirit show this generation can face challenges with confidence.”
Algeria are unbeaten in 15 AFCON matches when scoring first and are the only side since 2010 to score first 10 times without defeat.
Victory would give Algeria four straight wins at one AFCON edition for the third time in their history.
Petkovic urged caution despite form. “Congo are balanced and dangerous, but we must focus on our strengths and capabilities,” he said.
He added that preparation would be key. “We will rest, analyse positives and negatives, and I am confident the team will be ready.”
Riyad Mahrez has three goals already and could become only the second Algerian to score four in one AFCON edition.
Youngster Ibrahim Maza has created eight chances, the most after the group stage, underlining Algeria’s blend of youth and experience.
DR Congo, meanwhile, reached the knockout stage unbeaten, with wins over Benin and Botswana and a draw against Senegal.
They have now progressed from the group stage at five consecutive AFCON tournaments, their longest such run.
A goal against Algeria would be DR Congo’s 100th in AFCON history, making them the eighth nation to reach the milestone.
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Both of DR Congo’s previous Round of 16 appearances were decided on penalties, winning in 2023 and losing in 2019.
Coach Sebastian Desabre said the clash is unavoidable for contenders. “To win AFCON, you must beat strong teams like Algeria,” he said.
“This match is similar to our test against Egypt in the last edition. Focus and discipline will decide everything,” Desabre added.
Gaël Kakuta starred against Botswana, scoring twice and assisting once, becoming the oldest DR Congo player to net a brace since 2010.
Desabre stressed composure. “We must control the match and think step by step. Our goal now is overcoming Algeria,” he said.
As Rabat prepares for kickoff, history favours Algeria, but DR Congo’s resilience promises a contest where margins, not memories, may decide progress. (NANFeatures)
