Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will renew a rarely seen Africa Cup of Nations rivalry when they meet in Rabat.
It is a fixture steeped in history but short on recent tournament encounters. The two nations have not faced each other at the AFCON finals for 26 years, with their last competitive meeting coming at the 2000 edition in Ghana.
This will be only the third time Algeria and DR Congo have crossed paths at the continental showpiece. Algeria hold the edge in those previous encounters, having never conceded a goal against the Congolese at AFCON. Their first meeting came in the group stage of the 1998 tournament, when Abdelkader Ferhaoui’s 36th-minute strike secured a 1–0 win for the North Africans. Two years later, the sides played out a goalless draw in Kumasi on the opening day of Group B.
On both occasions, Algeria progressed from the group stage at DR Congo’s expense. In 2000, Algeria finished runners-up behind South Africa, while DR Congo bowed out after placing third. A similar story unfolded in 1988, when Algeria advanced from Group A behind hosts Morocco.
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Beyond the AFCON stage, the broader head-to-head record suggests a far tighter contest. The teams have met seven times in total, with Algeria claiming three victories and DR Congo still searching for a first win. Four matches have ended in draws, including each of the last four meetings.
Notably, the most recent three encounters all international friendlies finished 1–1, underlining how closely matched the sides have become. The last time Algeria beat DR Congo in any competition was at the 1988 AFCON.
Their most recent clash came in October 2019, when a friendly in Blida saw Islam Slimani give Algeria an early sixth-minute lead before Cédric Bakambu levelled for DR Congo midway through the first half.
As they prepare to meet again at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, by 5 pm, Algeria will be aiming to turn historical dominance into a decisive knockout victory while DR Congo will hope this long-awaited AFCON reunion finally tilts in their favour.
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