Africa’s biggest tournament is here and we’re covering AFCON picks, parlays and best bets all tournament long. Read on for our Round of 16 Africa Cup of Nations predictions for today’s game between Algeria vs DR Congo at 11am EST on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Algeria topped Group E at 3-0-0, scoring 7 and allowing just 1 goal.
DR Congo were 2nd in Group D, 2-1-0, scoring 5 and also allowing just 1.
AFCON Odds and Picks
Here are today’s odds for the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Algeria | +100 |
| Draw | +210 |
| DR Congo | +350 |
| Algeria to advance | -225 |
| DR Congo to advance | +162 |
| BTTS Yes / No | +120 / -163 |
| Over 2.5 / Under 2.5 | +160 / -211 |
Algeria vs DR Congo Preview
Algeria (Les Fennecs / The Desert Foxes)
35th in FIFA Rankings.
They met Sudan on Matchday 1 and the game quickly went in their favor. Mahrez scored 1 minute in, Sudan took a red in the 39′, and Algeria added 2 more in he second half (another from Mahrez) to win 3-0.
It was tighter on MD2, with Mahrez’s 23′ PK standing up as the only goal in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. They only had 49% possession, were outshot 12-10, but led in shots on target 5-3. They did see Hadjam and Chergui leave injured last game.
On MD3 it was one-way traffic against Equatorial Guinea as they went up 3-0 within 32 minutes, and eventually won 3-1.
They were 1/2 teams to go a perfect 3-0-0 (Nigeria), while scoring the 2nd-most goals (7) and tying for the fewest goals allowed (1).
Algeria lost to Sudan in the quarters of the Nations Championship in August and since then they’re 10-3-0 in regulation. Their only loss was in the Arab Cup quarters, drawing UAE 1-1 and losing in PKs.
Mahrez was tied atop the Golden Boot race with 3 goals, until Brahim Diaz scored a 4th in the Knockout Round.
DR Congo (Les Leopards)
56th in FIFA Rankings.
On Matchday 1, Bongonda scored early to set up a 1-0 win over Benin. They did have only 38% possession and allowed 11 shot attempts, but just 1 on target.
On Matchday 2 they drew Senegal 1-1. Both teams had just 2 shots on target and both scored in near succession. First DRC in the 61′ from Bakambu and then then Mane for Senegal in the 69′. Bakambu is now 1 goal away from tying DRC’s all-time record of 22 national goals.
Despite 3 DRC goals on MD3 vs Botswana, Bakambu wasn’t one of them, with Mbukuk scoring 1 and Kakuta 2. DRC outshot Botswana 19-4 and 6-1 in shots on target and won 3-0.
DR Congo are now undefeated in 8 games at 7-1-0.
Most DRC games are close with Under 2.5 being 7-1 of late. They’ve also scored in 13 straight, but rarely score more than a single goal, doing so in only 2/8. Meanwhile, they’ve kept clean sheets in 3/4 and 6/8, allowing only 2 goals in those 8 games.
Algeria vs DR Congo Head-to-Head
There’s only been 6 all-time meetings, none since 2019, and most of ended in draws—including each of the last four: 1-1, 1-1, 1-1 and 0-0.
AFCON Prediction
To me it’s a draw (+210) or to be a little more creative and safer, Algeria double chance & under 2.5 (-143). If you think it could be 1-0 to anyone, Under 1.5 is (+150).
- AFCON Picks: Draw (+210)
Before you make your AFCON predictions, check out the best new customer promo codes from all the top sportsbooks! Want more picks in video form, visit the Shred The Spread YouTube Channel for more!
Ryan Métivier is a seasoned editor, writer and communications professional with years of experience in all fields. When it comes to covering sports, he’s written for numerous outlets and organizations including the OHL, CHL, SportsXpress, Sports Betting Dime, Cleveland.com, MassLive, FanSided and others.
While he’ll always cheer for his hometown Toronto teams, when it comes to betting, his only allegiance is his bankroll. Ryan specializes in global soccer, the NFL and the NHL, but if there is a bet to be made, he’ll make it. As the founder of Shred The Spread, Ryan focuses on combining storylines, trends, analytics and good bankroll management to creating simple bets that make sense.
When not making a case for why both teams will score in an MLS soccer match, he can be found focusing his efforts on fitness, attempting to learn Spanish, cooking or planning his travel adventure.
