AFCON heavyweights inch toward knockout stage after tense stalemate.
In a clash that promised fireworks but delivered tense, tactical warfare, Senegal and DR Congo played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday that leaves both nations on the cusp of the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage.
Cedric Bakambu’s second-half strike for the Leopards was canceled out just eight minutes later by Senegal’s iconic captain Sadio Mané, as the Group D heavyweights split the points in front of a vibrant, drum-filled crowd at the Ibn Batouta Stadium.
The result leaves both sides tied atop Group D with four points each, separated only by goal difference. With Benin third on three points after a 1-0 win over Botswana earlier in the day, the final matchday on Tuesday will decide who advances as group winner—a prize that likely means facing a third-place finisher in the round of 16.
LEOPARDS STRIKE FIRST AGAINST THE RUN OF PLAY
After being thoroughly outplayed in the first half, DR Congo emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Their pressure told in the 62nd minute when veteran forward Bakambu pounced on a rebound after Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy failed to hold Théo Bongonda’s low drive.
The goal was against the narrative of the match. Senegal had dominated possession and chances in the opening period, with Nicolas Jackson firing wide and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scrambling to deny Pape Gueye from distance. DR Congo’s only first-half “goal”—a crisp finish by Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the 14th minute—was correctly ruled out for offside against Bongonda in the buildup.
“We knew they would have moments. We had to suffer, but we also showed our quality,” DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said afterward. “This point is a big step for us.”
MANÉ ANSWERS THE CALL
Senegal’s response was swift and clinical. Introduced at halftime, livewire substitute Ibrahim Mbaye—the 19-year-old PSG prospect—immediately injected pace into the Senegalese attack. It was his driving run and saved shot that created chaos in the Congolese box, and the ever-alert Mané was first to the loose ball, coolly slotting past the covering Wan-Bissaka on the goal line.
The equalizer was a testament to Mané’s big-game temperament and a relief for coach Pape Thiaw, whose side had struggled to convert dominance into goals.
“We controlled the game but conceded from one action,” Thiaw told reporters. “The mentality to come back immediately, that is the sign of a strong team. Sadio is our leader, and he showed it.”
TACTICAL BATTLE SUPPRESSES SPECTACLE
Given their dramatic World Cup qualifier in September—where Senegal rallied from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Kinshasa—many expected an open, end-to-end affair. Instead, the first half was a cagey, midfield-focused duel, with Senegal pressing high but struggling to break down DR Congo’s disciplined low block.
The Leopards grew into the contest after halftime, with Noah Sadiki forcing Mendy into action before Bakambu’s opener. But after Mané’s leveler, both sides seemed to accept the draw as a fair result, with clear chances evaporating in the final 20 minutes.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE GROUP
With four points, both Senegal and DR Congo are in a strong position to advance. Senegal will face Benin in Tangier on Tuesday, while DR Congo returns to Rabat to take on an already-eliminated Botswana.
A draw for either side would almost certainly be enough to progress, but winning the group remains the objective to secure a theoretically easier knockout path.
For Benin, their victory over Botswana keeps hopes alive—they will need a win against Senegal to have a chance at a top-two finish.
UP NEXT
· Senegal vs. Benin, Tuesday, 15:00 GMT (Tangier)
· DR Congo vs. Botswana, Tuesday, 15:00 GMT (Rabat)