Tuesday, January 6
*Algeria Vs DR Congo – 7pm
*Ivory Coast Vs Burkina Faso – 10pm
DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre says his side is embracing the pressure of knockout football, describing the match as another step in the team’s growth, as they prepare to face Algeria in a round of 16 clash at AFCON.
DR Congo who finished second in Group D, level on 7 points with leaders Senegal, will fancy a difficult challenge against Algeria who topped Group E.
These are high-stakes matches, since a place in the quarter-finals is at stake against a very good African team. For us, we’re happy because it helps us continue to improve in match preparation. It will also give us a lot of experience in managing this kind of game,” Desabre commented.
“And for us, we keep going, we don’t feel any extra pressure. In Congo, we’re used to having high pressure in matches. The players know this, and we actually like it.”
DR Congo who have won the title twice, reached semifinals in 2023 before they were eliminated by Hosts Ivory Coast.
With an experienced backbone especially offensively, driven by Cedric Bakambu and the evergreen Gael Kakuta, DR Congo will fancy their chances against Algeria.
Algeria who won this title in 2019, will fancy their chances given the quality of their squad led by Riyad Mahrez.
Overall, the teams have met seven times. Algeria have recorded three wins, while DR Congo are winless, with four matches ending in draws
