AFCON: Senegal rally to hold DR Congo as Group D race tightens at Afcon 2025

Senegal recovered from a second-half setback to secure a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that leaves both sides well placed to reach the knockout stages, Sport360NG reports.

Cedric Bakambu gave DR Congo the lead shortly after the hour in Tangier, reacting quickest after Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy could only parry Theo Bongonda’s low drive into his path for a close-range finish.

The reigning African champions responded swiftly. Eight minutes later, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye surged through the Congolese back line and forced a save from Lionel Mpasi, with Sadio Mane showing sharp instincts to convert the rebound despite Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s attempt to clear on the goal line.

The draw keeps Senegal top of Group D on four points, ahead of DR Congo on goal difference. Benin sit third with three points, while Botswana remain bottom and close to elimination following a 1-0 defeat by Benin earlier on Saturday.

The final group matches will be played on Tuesday (15:00 GMT), with Senegal staying in Tangier to face Benin and DR Congo travelling to Rabat to take on Botswana. Four points are expected to be sufficient for both Senegal, champions in 2021, and DR Congo, semi-finalists at the previous tournament, although finishing first would provide a more favourable last-16 tie against a third-placed qualifier.

Measured opening, sharper second half

The meeting of the group’s two early pace-setters had been keenly anticipated after Senegal’s emphatic 3-0 win over Botswana and DR Congo’s narrow success against Benin in their opening matches. Recent history also added intrigue, with Senegal having overturned a two-goal deficit to beat DR Congo in World Cup qualifying last September.

However, the opening half in Tangier was cagey rather than explosive. DR Congo failed to muster a shot on target before the interval, while a 14th-minute effort from Wan-Bissaka was ruled out after Bongonda was judged offside in the build-up.

Senegal controlled much of the first half, with Nicolas Jackson firing just wide and Mpasi doing enough to divert Pape Gueye’s long-range attempt past the post.

DR Congo emerged with greater intent after the break. Noah Sadiki tested Mendy with a powerful strike before Bakambu struck for his second goal of the tournament to put the Leopards ahead.

Mbaye’s pace and directness proved decisive in Senegal’s equaliser, but clear chances were scarce in the closing stages as both teams appeared content with a result that all but secures progress to the knockout phase.