A final test before the real challenge. This Wednesday, Algeria played their last group match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations . Already qualified and guaranteed to finish first, Vladimir Petkovic's team needed to boost their confidence against Equatorial Guinea, who had already been eliminated from the competition. For this occasion, the Algerian coach decided to rotate his squad extensively, making seven changes to his starting eleven.
And while youngsters like Anis Hadj-Moussa and Himad Abdelli have impressed, Algeria has also managed its fatigue well before facing DR Congo in the Round of 16. A clash between the top team of Group E and the runners-up of Group D is expected to live up to all expectations. The Fennecs, aware of the challenge of this match against one of the continent's in-form nations, are already focused on what's next, eager to perform well. "The AFCON is a major competition. To win the trophy, we'll have to beat everyone. It's true we didn't get the easiest draw compared to some other teams, but to win, we'll have to beat everyone, so there you have it. We're very strong, aren't we? We're Algeria, and we're here to take the trophy, so we'll have to go through all of this," said striker Farès Chaibi in the mixed zone.
Algeria is ready for this clash!
This view was largely shared by his teammate Ilan Kebbal, who warned the DRC: Algeria will be ready for this battle. “We’re going to prepare well, work hard. We have an important match, but we’ll be ready. We have time, but we hope to be ready. We’re going to play against a great team, but we are also a great team. Since the start of the AFCON, we’ve always had the support of the fans. We know that will be the case against the DRC. Even today, in a match with nothing at stake, they were there.” The same sentiment was echoed by man of the match Anis Hadj-Moussa. “It will be a difficult match because they have a good team, but we have a good team too. So, we’re ready for matches like this. It’s one of the best matches of the Round of 16. ”
For his part, Angers midfielder Himad Abdelli shared his thoughts on how to approach the match and the key to victory. "Are we the favorites? No, we know they're a very good team. But we also have a good team, and may the best team win. It's going to be a great atmosphere; we have real fans, and so does the DRC. It will be a big match. We're trying to control possession; it will be up to us to make things difficult for them and put on a great performance. But we'll take it one game at a time to see where it leads us ." The date is set. This Tuesday, January 6th, at 5:00 PM, the two teams will clash at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. And this match promises to be thrilling!
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