Senegal and DR Congo played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group D, keeping both teams on course for the knockout stages. The match in Tangier saw Senegal come from behind, with Sadio Mane's equaliser eight minutes from time securing a point. Cedric Bakambu had given DR Congo the lead just after the hour mark, but Senegal's substitute Ibrahim Mbaye burst through and tested the Congolese keeper, allowing Mane to coolly tuck the ball home. This result sees Senegal top the group on four points, level with DR Congo on goal difference. Benin are third with three points, while Botswana are on the brink of elimination after losing to the Cheetahs earlier in the day. The final round of Group D fixtures will be crucial, with Senegal facing Benin in Tangier and DR Congo returning to Rabat to play Botswana. Both teams, the 2021 Afcon champions and semi-finalists respectively, are likely to progress with four points, but the group winners will have the advantage of playing a third-placed finisher in the next round. The match was a contrast to their previous encounter in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, where Senegal came from behind to win 3-2 in Kinshasa. The first half in Tangier was less explosive, with DR Congo failing to register a shot on goal. The Leopards almost took the lead through Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but Theo Bongonda was offside when he headed down to the West Ham right-back. Senegal dominated the first half, with Nicolas Jackson narrowly missing and Lionel Mpasi making a crucial save. After the break, DR Congo showed more purpose, with Noah Sadiki forcing a save from Edouard Mendy, and Bakambu breaking the deadlock. Mbaye's direct running played a key role in the equaliser, but the final 20 minutes were tense, with no further chances as the draw was a fair result, securing a spot in the next round for both teams.
