It’s the shock of the round of 16 of the CAN 2025. Algeria challenges the Democratic Republic of Congo this Tuesday at the Moulay El Hassan stadium in Rabat in the most tantalizing shock since the start of the continental competition, but also the most indecisive.
On the one hand, the Fennecs are coming out of an almost perfect group stage. The only nation – with Nigeria – to have won three victories out of three, Algeria has found new collective and tactical certainties under the leadership of coach Vladimir Petkovic, much criticized in the country before the start of the tournament and who seems on the verge of turning public opinion around. From the point of view of individuals, the Greens can count on a Riyad Mahrez with newfound efficiency (3 goals) and the emergence of Ibrahim Maza, a real revelation of the CAN.
However, there are still some downsides to be deplored. This Monday, at a press conference, Jaouen Hadjam’s package was recorded by the Algerian staff. The Young Boys Berne defender was made available to his club, leaving a question mark at the left-back position, since Rayan Aït-Nouri, the usual holder, has been reduced by a strong flu in recent days. However, he resumed training yesterday and should be able to hold his place.
Mahrez back, Hadj Moussa replacing
In the offensive sector, Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Amoura should return to the eleven to accompany Maza after being preserved against Equatorial Guinea last Wednesday. Despite his excellent performance, Anis Hadj Moussa is announced as a replacement.
As for the playing system, Algeria should once again play in 4-2-3-1, even if recourse to the hybrid system seen at the start of the match against Burkina Faso cannot be ruled out.
The probable line-ups of Algeria – DR Congo
Algeria: Belghali, Mandi, Blessed, Air, Blessings – Mahres, Maza, Amoura – Bonedjah
RD Congo : Pasi – Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba (Cap.), Tuanzebe, Masuaku – Moutoussy, Mukau, Sadiki – Bongonda, BAKAMBU, Mbuku
On the Congolese side, after the large rotation made during the last group match against Botswana (3-0), Sébastien Desabre should unsurprisingly line up his typical team again. The returns of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe are expected in the rearguard, as are those of Noah Sadiki and Cédric Bakambu offensively.
On the other hand, there are uncertainties regarding the left lane: victim of a small sprained ankle against Senegal, Arthur Masuaku could make his return to the eleven. If he is not fully recovered, Joris Kayembe will probably replace him and will have the difficult task of containing Mahrez’s attacks. Offensively, the winger position will be played out between Nathanaël Mbuku and Meschack Elia, who shared the position during the first round.
