Bongonda strike gives DR Congo winning start against Benin at AFCON 2025

DR Congo opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Benin in a Group D encounter played in Rabat, securing an important early foothold in the tournament, Sport360NG reports.

The decisive moment arrived in the 16th minute when Benin defender Yohan Roche misjudged a long delivery from Arthur Masuaku, allowing Theo Bongonda to latch onto the loose ball and steer a first-time volley into the bottom corner from close range.

The Leopards pressed for a second goal after the break and believed they had extended their lead when Cedric Bakambu headed home from close range. However, a prolonged VAR check ruled out the effort for an infringement earlier in the move.

Bakambu continued to threaten, but Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe denied him in a one-on-one situation before the striker squandered another clear opportunity by directing a free-kick header straight at the keeper.

Benin pushed late in search of an equaliser and came agonisingly close in stoppage time when Aiyegun Tosin’s effort from a tight angle struck the legs of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and rolled across the face of goal.

Technical issues with the referee’s communication equipment led to an extended second half, with 10 minutes of added time played, but DR Congo remained composed to see out the win and collect all three points.

Senegal could draw level with the Leopards at the top of Group D should they defeat Botswana in Tuesday’s later fixture.

Sebastien Desabre’s side, semi-finalists at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast, arrived in Morocco buoyed by recent World Cup qualifying victories over Cameroon and Nigeria, and largely controlled proceedings at the Stade El Barid. Despite their dominance, they were left to rely on Bongonda’s early strike after failing to convert several clear chances.

Benin, who narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification after a heavy defeat to Nigeria in their final group match, were appearing at the AFCON finals for the first time since 2019. Missing key players including first-choice goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and forward Junior Olaitan, Gernot Rohr’s team struggled to turn possession into genuine opportunities.

The Cheetahs are expected to be strengthened by the return of striker Steve Mounie for their next Group D fixture against Botswana on Saturday.

Two-time champions DR Congo, meanwhile, will travel to Tangier for a high-profile clash with Senegal later the same day.