AFCON: Senegal and DR Congo play to hard-fought draw

Group D favorites Senegal and DR Congo battled to a fierce 1-1 draw on Saturday at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Sadio Mané leveled for the Lions of Teranga to cancel out Cédric Bakambu’s second half opener for the DRC, leaving the two teams level on four points each at the top of the group.

Mané boosted his AFCON record to 10 goals in 25 appearances after the Al Nassr star fired in from close range in the 69th minute. It was a just reward for the West Africans, who did look more dangerous against a DRC side that continued to defend well.

But an injury to experienced leader and left back Arthur Masuaku cost the Leopards three points. The Sunderland defender went down with injury at a crucial moment to allow Senegal substitute Ibrahim Mbaye in on goal. The 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain starlet’s resulting shot was saved by Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi but Mané was there to collect the rebound and fire in the equalizer.

The Lions were in control during the first half. Mané was the main threat, setting up Nicolas Jackson to fire wide from his 22nd minute cross. The 33-year-old star player then curled a free kick just wide close to halftime as the DRC failed to produce a single shot attempt in the opening 45 minutes.

But Sébastien Desabre’s side rallied at halftime and increased their level. Just after the hour mark, the Leopards stunned the 2021 champions when Théo Bongonda combined with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right wing. Bongonda’s quick low shot was saved by Senegal keeper Édouard Mendy but he spilled the ball right to Bakambu, who was left with an easy finish on the doorstep.

The two teams battled to a stalemate for the final half hour. With four points each, they have each all but clinched a place in the knockout stages ahead of their final Group D fixtures. Senegal will face Benin on Tuesday while the DRC finishes up against Botswana on the same day.