Senegal came from behind to earn a 1–1 draw against DR Congo in their Group D encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the result moving both sides closer to qualification for the round of 16.
Cedric Bakambu gave the Leopards the lead shortly after the hour mark in Tangier, reacting quickest to a rebound after Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy failed to hold Theo Bongonda’s low strike.
Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye burst through the Congolese defence and forced a save from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, and Sadio Mané showed great composure to turn the loose ball home from close range, despite pressure from Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the goal line.
The draw keeps Senegal top of Group D on four points, level with DR Congo but ahead on goal difference. Benin sit third on three points, while Botswana remain bottom and on the brink of elimination after a 1–0 defeat to the Cheetahs earlier on Saturday.
The final round of Group D matches will be played on Tuesday, with Senegal staying in Tangier to face Benin, while DR Congo travel to Rabat to take on Botswana.
Mané, who was named Man of the Match, praised DR Congo’s resilience after the game.
“One point is not too bad because our opponents were determined and played very well,” he said.
“They were compact in defence and did not take unnecessary risks, so they also deserve the point. AFCON is always tough. It was a difficult match, and in this competition you cannot underrate any team.”
