AFCON: DRC’s Leopards sharpen claws for Algeria clash

DR Congo marched past eliminated Botswana by a 3-0 score to finish second in Group D at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday but the Leopards are wary of their next challenge in the Round of 16.

The Congolese team won convincingly but came just shy of overtaking Senegal for top spot in the group. While Senegal will face a manageable opponent in the form of Sudan or Burkina Faso, the DRC will have to content with Algeria. One of the favorites to win the competition, Les Verts are in impressive form and will be considered slight favorites against the Leopards.

But the Leopards are not fazed and understand that there is not much to lose against a team they know well. Midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau, who plays with Algeria captain Aissa Mandi at LOSC Lille in France’s Ligue 1, playfully stated that Mandi “will not be my buddy”…”The Algerian team has some very good players, but we have to show what we’re capable of against them.”

Midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy and the star of Tuesday’s victory, playmaker Gaël Kakuta, had a more serious reaction as quoted by Radio France Internationale: “Algeria is a tough opponent. It’s going to be a great match. We will give our all,” said Moutoussamy.

“That’s football…we will prepare best as we can,” said Kakuta. “We know we’re capable of troubling any team. We’ll go there with our strengths and our pride,” attacker Théo Bongonda declared.

Welcome to The Leopards’ show. 🇨🇩#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/hhSlZIApDR

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 30, 2025

DR Congo has an impressive recent record to lean on as well as their excellent defense, which has conceded only two goals in their last seven competitive matches. Coach Sébastien Desabre and his charges are a battle-ready bunch whose confidence is as high as possible after winning the African regional 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff in November.

Now that Algeria lie ahead, the optimism and determination of the Congolese players displays an ideal situation. A team and coach who have excellent chemistry and confidence as well as nothing to lose makes for a dangerous opponent as Algeria will discover.