Stars Align as Algeria Names Strong XI for AFCON Quarterfinal Showdown with Congo DR

Algeria Starting XI

Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petrovic unveiled the official starting XI for the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal against Congo DR. The match is set for Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat and will be officiated by an all-Egyptian refereeing crew led by Mohamed Ma’rouf.

Goalkeeper: Luka Zidane. Defence: Rafik Balghali, Issa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Aït-Nouri.

Midfield: Ismaël Bennacer, Hicham Boudoui, Fares Chaibi. Attack: Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Mazah, Mohamed Amine Amoura.

Congo DR Starting XI

For Congo DR, coach Sebastien Desabre named goalkeeper Lionel Mabasi; defence: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Samuel Môtusami, Joris Kayembe.

Midfield: Theo Bongonda, Ngalaï Mokao, Michak Ilya. Attack: Noah Sadyki, Cedric Bakambu.

The winner will advance to the semifinals to face Nigeria after their decisive result over Mozambique, as the AFCON chase continues on Rabat’s turf.

Punchline: If Algeria’s attack starts clicking, even the referee might need a whistle just to catch his breath. Punchline 2: Congo DR better bring a map—with Mahrez and Mazah on the field, the only direction you’ll be going is forward, straight into the net.