Democratic Republic of Congo sealed a hard-earned 1-0 win over Benin Republic in their group D opener at the 2025 African Cup of Nations on Tuesday, SportPremi Reports.
Forward Theo Bongonda scored the only goal of the tense affair in the first half to seal maximum points for his side as they chase a first continental crown.
The Leopards sit pretty comfortable at the top of the group, ahead of Senegal’s clash against Botswana later in the day.
First half: Bongonda’s early strike gives DR Congo first half lead
In what was the opening match of group D, both sides went into the tie hoping for maximum points ahead of their remaining matches.
The game started at a slow pace, but the Leopards grabbed the lead in the 16th minute as Theo Bongonda opened the scoring after an assist from Arthur Masuaku.
Benin Republic enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, but it was DR Congo who were getting the better chances to add to their tally as the first half ended in a 1-0 scoreline.
Second half: VAR drama, but DR Congo hang on for win
DR Congo began the second half brightly and thought they had a second goal just two minutes after the interval, but Cedric Bakambu’s strike was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee for an offside in the buildup.
Both sides traded chances to add to the scoreline, although they could barely trouble the goalkeepers with their efforts.
Benin Republic could have snatched a point in stoppage-time, but Tosin’s effort was superbly saved by Mpasi-Nzau.
The game ended 1-0 in favor of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Benin Republic will need to regroup ahead of their next match.
Players Ratings
DR Congo Players Ratings:
- Mpasi-Nzau – 7.5
- Wan-Bissaka – 7.4
- Mbemba – 7.7
- Tuanzebe – 6.8
- Masuaku – 7.8
- Moutoussamy – 7.2
- Bongonda – 7.8
- Kayembe – 6.6
- Sadiki – 6.9
- Mbuku – 7.5
- Bakambu – 6.4
Substitutes
- Mukau – 6.5
- Ditu – 6.1
- Elia – 6.1
- Cipenga – 6.0
- Mayele – 6.0
Benin Republic Players Ratings:
- Allagbe – 6.8
- Ouorou – 7.1
- Roche – 5.6
- Verdon – 6.3
- Moumini – 7.3
- Imourane – 6.9
- D’Almeida – 6.4
- Dossou – 6.0
- Dodo – 6.5
- Aloko – 6.1
- Tosin – 6.5
Substitutes
- Amoussou – 6.6
- Samadou – 6.0
Man of the match
Theo Bongonda (7.8/10) – The forward scored the only goal of the match to give his side maximum points and was a major attacking threat for DR Congo until his substitution.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: DR Congo 40% – 60% Benin
Total Shots: DR Congo 11 – 12 Benin
Shots on target: DR Congo 3 – 2 Benin
Pass Accuracy: DR Congo 74% – 84% Benin
Corners: DR Congo 5 – 5 Benin
What Next?
DR Congo could seal a spot in the knockout round, although they face a tough test against Senegal in their second group game.
Meanwhile, Benin Republic face Botswana in the other tie, hoping to record their first win of the AFCON tournament.
