Senegal and DR Congo shared the spoils in a thrilling 1–1 draw in their second Group B match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday at the Grande Stade de Tanger, Bold Sports reports.
Both sides came into the encounter buoyed by opening-day victories, with Senegal having eased past Botswana 3–0 and DR Congo edging Benin Republic 1–0.
Senegal dominated the first half, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and pinning DR Congo in their own half. However, the Teranga Lions failed to turn their superiority into goals. DR Congo, for their part, remained compact and disciplined at the back but offered little going forward before the break.
The match changed dramatically in the second half. Seconds after the hour mark, DR Congo struck against the run of play to take the lead. Théo Bongonda’s initial effort was parried by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, but striker Cédric Bakambu reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and stun the Senegalese faithful.
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Senegal coach Pape Thiaw responded immediately, withdrawing Ismaila Sarr for AFCON debutant Ibrahim Mbaye. The bold move paid dividends within minutes. The 17-year-old Mbaye produced a dazzling run into the box before seeing his shot saved by Lionel Mpazi-Nzau. Sadio Mané was on hand to slot home the rebound in the 69th minute, restoring parity and reigniting the contest.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but clear chances were scarce as defenses tightened. In the end, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough, and the match ended all square.
The result leaves Senegal and DR Congo level on four points after two matches. Senegal will round off their group campaign against Benin Republic on Tuesday, while DR Congo face bottom-placed Botswana, with qualification still very much on the line for both teams.
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