Betting tips from AI for Algeria vs DR Congo, 06 January 2026.

Algeria enter this Round of 16 with the momentum — unbeaten in Group E, clinical finishes from Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza and Riyad Mahrez leading the attack — and they look the cleanest 90‑minute option at 2.00. Missing Houssem Aouar trims creative depth but the team cohesion and defensive solidity that shut out Burkina Faso and Sudan remain a big plus.
DR Congo have teeth after holding Senegal and with Gael Kakuta in form, yet they lose Mario Stroeykens and are priced long at 4.53. A draw at 2.98 is plausible in a tight, high‑scoring game, but for a $1 value play the safer edge lies with Algeria’s attack and tournament rhythm — back them to squeeze through in regular time.

The Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 serves up a tantalizing clash between Algeria and DR Congo, and while Algeria enters as the 2.00 favorite, the value bet might lie elsewhere. The Desert Foxes, led by the prolific Riyad Mahrez with three goals, stormed through Group E unbeaten, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. However, DR Congo proved they are no pushovers, holding mighty Senegal to a gritty 1.01-1 draw and earning their 'surprise package' moniker, spearheaded by Gael Kakuta’s two goals and an assist.

Pundits are forecasting a high-scoring thriller, even predicting a tense 1.02-2 regular-time draw, a scenario bolstered by the fact their only prior meeting ended level. Algeria's creative engine, Houssem Aouar, is sidelined, which could impact their attacking flow. With DR Congo also missing talent in Stroeykens, this knockout tie has all the hallmarks of a finely balanced contest. Given the historical parity, DR Congo's resilience, and Algeria's Aouar absence, the Draw at 2.98 offers compelling odds for what promises to be an enthralling encounter heading into extra time.

Algeria's impressive Group E campaign showcased their offensive firepower, going unbeaten while demonstrating clinical finishing against quality opposition. The Desert Foxes have momentum and star power with Riyad Mahrez already netting 3 goals in the tournament. While they'll miss Houssem Aouar's creativity, their attacking depth remains superior.

DR Congo has been this tournament's surprise package, earning respect after holding Senegal to a draw. However, Algeria at 2.00 represents significant value that can't be ignored. The Congolese defense will struggle containing Algeria's varied attacking threats even with Gael Kakuta's contributions (2 goals, 1 assist).

Despite pundits forecasting a potential 2-2 draw at 2.98, Algeria's tournament form suggests they'll find a way to edge this knockout clash. Their superior technical quality should prevail in what promises to be a tense but ultimately decisive victory for the Desert Foxes.

Algeria's Desert Foxes are primed to pounce in this Round of 16 clash, riding high after an unbeaten Group E run that included a commanding 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea. With Riyad Mahrez's lethal finishing—three goals already—leading the charge, they boast the firepower to break down DR Congo's resilient backline. Sure, they miss Houssem Aouar, but their depth shone through clean sheets against Burkina Faso and Sudan.

DR Congo, the gritty surprise from Group D, earned respect with a 1-1 draw against Senegal, thanks to Gael Kakuta's two goals and an assist. Yet, without promising Mario Stroeykens, their attack might falter against Algeria's organized defense. These old rivals' lone prior meeting ended level, but Algeria's form tips the scales.

Pundits eye a thriller with over two goals, but I see Algeria edging a 2-1 victory. At 2.00 odds, they're a sharp value bet for knockout progression—back the favorites to advance and meet Nigeria or Mozambique next.

Algeria's Desert Foxes have been dominant, unbeaten in Group E with Riyad Mahrez netting 3 goals, but DR Congo stunned by holding Senegal to a 1-1 draw, proving their resilience.

Injuries may impact Algeria more, missing Houssem Aouar, while DR Congo's Gael Kakuta adds threat with 2 goals. Pundits forecast a high-scoring 2-2 draw, echoing the rivals' lone prior level meeting.

The Draw at 2.98 presents value, given both attacks' firepower and defensive gaps. Algeria's 2.00 odds reflect favoritism, but DR Congo's 4.53 is risky; a tense stalemate seems likely in this knockout thriller.

Algeria enters this Round of 16 clash with undeniable momentum, having dominated Group E with a perfect unbeaten streak. Star winger Riyad Mahrez has been in scintillating form, netting three goals so far, and his ability to unlock defenses could prove decisive against DR Congo. While the Desert Foxes will miss creative midfielder Houssem Aouar, their attacking depth, demonstrated by players like Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza, ensures they remain a potent threat. The odds of 2.00 for Algeria reflect their status as favorites, but this also hints at relatively slim margins for profit.
DR Congo, on the other hand, showcased resilience by holding Senegal to a 1-1 draw and advancing from a tough group. Their determination to upset stronger teams cannot be underestimated, especially with Gael Kakuta contributing both goals and assists. However, their lack of recent knockout-stage experience compared to Algeria’s pedigree might weigh heavily when the pressure mounts. The odds of 4.53 suggest an underdog role, but betting on them requires confidence in their ability to defy expectations.
The prediction of a high-scoring thriller seems plausible given both teams’ attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities. Yet, history between these rivals points to tight encounters—like their previous meeting ending in a draw. With pundits forecasting a tense 2-2 stalemate, the odds of 2.98 for a draw present an intriguing option. However, Algeria’s superior consistency and knack for delivering in crucial moments tilt the scales slightly in their favor.
Considering all factors, Algeria appears the safer bet despite the modest returns. They possess the quality and composure needed to edge out DR Congo in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.