Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo played out to an entertaining 1-1 draw in their second group B clash at the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations, SportPremi Reports.
After a goalless first half, the second half came to life after Cedric Bakambu gave the Leopards the lead, before Sadio Mane equalized for Senegal moments after.
Both sides are level on four points and head into the final rounds of matches with top spot on the line in the group.
First half: Senegal dominate goalless first half in Tangier
Senegal headed into the clash hoping for a second consecutive win at the AFCON tournament after their dominant win over Botswana in their opening clash.
DR Congo, who also defeated Benin Republic in their own opener stood between the Lions of Teranga and three points.
Senegal started on top, but it was DR Congo who scored in the 15th minute, although the strike was ruled out for offside.
Nicolas Jackson then wasted another effort, before Pape Gueye was denied by Mpasi as the first half ended goalless.
Second half: Bakambu and Mane cancel out each other in entertaining second half
Senegal started the second half on top once more, but DR Congo grabbed the lead in the 61st minute as Cedric Bakambu tapped home the rebound after Benjamin Mendy had saved a shot.
The Lions of Teranga were not behind for long as Sadio Mane pulled them level with a smart finish after good work from Mbaye.
The game ended 1-1 as both sides move up to four points on the standings.
Players Ratings:
Senegal Players Ratings
- Mendy – 7.1/10
- Diatta – 7.3/10
- Koulibaly – 7.2/10
- Niakhate – 7.1/10
- Jakobs – 7.1/10
- Gueye – 7.3/10
- P. Gueye – 6.7/10
- Sarr – 6.6/10
- Ndiaye – 6.3/10
- Mane – 8.0/10
- Jackson – 6.5/10
Substitutes
- Mbaye – 6.4/10
- Camara – 6.0/10
- Diallo – 6.0/10
- Sabaly – 6.0/10
DR Congo Players Ratings
- Mpasi – 7.3/10
- Masuaku – 6.5/10
- Tuanzebe – 7.2/10
- Mbemba – 7.2/10
- Moutoussamy – 7.1/10
- Elia – 6.4/10
- Sadiki – 6.2/10
- Mukau – 6.8/10
- Bongonda – 6.5/10
- Bakambu – 7.1/10
Substitutes
- Mayele – 6.4/10
- Mbuku – 6.1/10
- Ditu – 6.7/10
- Kayembe – 6.2/10
Man of the match
Sadio Mane (8.0/10) – The Senegal superstar scored his side’s only goal of the clash on an uncharacteristically wasteful day as they snatched a point against DR Congo.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Senegal 64% – 36% DR Congo
Total Shots: Senegal 11 – 7 DR Congo
Shots on target: Senegal 3 – 3 DR Congo
Pass Accuracy: Senegal 87% – 78% DR Congo
Corners: Senegal 5 – 2 DR Congo
What Next?
Senegal will head into their final group game against Benin Republic next Tuesday, hoping for a win to finish top of their group.
DR Congo meanwhile, will also clash with Botswana simultaneously, also eyeing a winning conclusion to their group stage campaign.
