AFCON 2025: Senegal and DR Congo play out draw, leaving Group D wide open
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 27.12.25. | 20:19
The result leaves Group D wide open, with Senegal top of the standings on four points, level with DR Congo, while Benin sit third on three points
2021 winners Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in an AFCON Group D clash played on Saturday, 27 December, at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier.
Both Senegal and DR Congo came into the match on the back of victories in their opening fixtures against Botswana and Benin respectively, and were therefore eyeing a win that would seal early qualification to the Round of 16.
Senegal started the match brightly, pushing for an early breakthrough and earning two quick corners within the opening three minutes.
By the fifth minute, both sides appeared to be adopting a similar build-up approach, attempting to play from the back before exploiting the flanks.
Senegal registered the first clear chance of the game in the ninth minute following a quick link-up on the left, with Jackson getting on the end of the move, but his effort struck the side netting.
DR Congo thought they had taken the lead in the 14th minute when Theo Bongonda set up Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who fired into the back of the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside against Bongonda in the build-up.
Senegal then began to assert their dominance through possession, but DR Congo remained compact, defending in a deep 4-5-1 shape with minimal space between the lines.
The Leopards relied on counter-attacks, with Cedric Bakambu proving a constant menace to Ismail Jakobs down the flank.
Senegal came closest to opening the scoring in the 25th minute when DR Congo failed to clear their lines following a Krepin Diatta free kick. The ball fell kindly to Ismaila Sarr, but the Crystal Palace forward blasted over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
The Lions of Teranga had another opportunity in the 37th minute after being awarded a controversial free kick just outside the box. Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane stepped up but saw his effort drift inches wide, bringing the first half to a close.
After the break, DR Congo returned as the more rejuvenated side, controlling the tempo and pinning Senegal into their own half in the early stages of the second half.
Their dominance paid off in the 61st minute when Bakambu broke the deadlock, tapping home after Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy parried a Bongonda strike into his path.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw responded by introducing Ibrahim Mbaye in place of the ineffective Sarr as he sought an equaliser.
Eight minutes later, Mane drew Senegal level, reacting quickest to a rebound before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box to cap off a swift Senegalese transition.
Both teams continued to battle for control in midfield, and as the match entered the final 10 minutes, Senegal increased the tempo in search of a winner. However, a resolute defence marshalled by Chancel Mbemba held firm to ensure the contest ended in a draw.
The result leaves Group D wide open, with Senegal top of the standings on four points, level with DR Congo, while Benin sit third on three points following their 1-0 victory over Botswana.
