AFCON 2025: DR Congo vs Algeria and Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso close round of 16

Two high-profile fixtures in Rabat and Marrakech will complete the AFCON 2025 round of 16.

AFCON 2025 concludes its round of 16 this Tuesday with two prestigious clashes scheduled in Rabat and Marrakech. Algeria face DR Congo at 17:00 at Stade Moulay El Hassan, before Ivory Coast meet Burkina Faso at 20:00 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Algeria tested by an ambitious DR Congo

One of the most convincing teams of the group stage, Algeria arrive with strong momentum. Led by the experience of Riyad Mahrez and the rise of young talent Ibrahim Maza, the Fennecs topped Group E with a perfect record.

Algeria opened with a 3-0 win over Sudan, followed by a controlled victory against Burkina Faso, before delivering a solid performance against Equatorial Guinea. It marks their first flawless group stage since 2019.

DR Congo approach this tie with confidence of their own. Finishing second in Group D with seven points, the Leopards impressed with a balanced campaign, including a draw against Senegal and a convincing win over Botswana. Although DR Congo have never beaten Algeria in previous meetings, they will be eager to rewrite history.

Ivory Coast seek reassurance against Burkina Faso

The second fixture features defending champions Ivory Coast against one of the tournament’s most competitive outsiders. Leaders of Group F, the Elephants showed resilience despite an uneven group stage.

Narrow victories against Mozambique and Gabon, combined with a draw against Cameroon, highlighted both their attacking potential and areas to refine.

Burkina Faso finished second in Group E behind Algeria. After a strong start against Equatorial Guinea, the Stallions regrouped following defeat to Algeria and secured qualification with a win over Sudan. Head-to-head history favors Ivory Coast, but past encounters suggest a tight contest.

A decisive night for quarterfinal ambitions

These two matches bring the round of 16 to a close after a phase defined by established contenders and determined challengers. From Rabat to Marrakech, the objective remains the same: secure a place in the quarterfinals and keep continental ambitions alive.