AFCON: DR Congo satisfied with point against Senegal

The Leopards of DR Congo did not hold on for victory but gave Group D favorites Senegal all they could handle in a 1-1 draw at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday.

The result leaves both teams tied atop the group with four points each. With a place in the Round of 16 all but secured at this point, the two teams are each favorites to end the group stage with victories. DR Congo will finish up against bottom side Botswana while Senegal face Benin.

But the DRC team appeared very content after Saturday’s result. “I’m happy to help my team, and also with the result, but especially with what we showed on the pitch. There was a good reaction compared to the first match,” said Leopards goal scorer Théo Bongonda.

The Congolese team began the match on the back foot but their strong defense carried them through the first half before they came out rejuvenated following halftime. “At the start of the match, I think we were slow to establish our game for about five or six minutes. Then, once we accepted the technical pressure of playing out from the back, we put something in place to provide a bit more security in our build-up play,” said coach Sébastien Desabre.

“What I liked about my team is that they played. They played under pressure against players who like to create tension, like Jackson, and others who are quite generous in their defensive efforts.”

Veteran forward Cédric Bakambu opened the scoring with a poacher’s strike from close range just after the hour mark before Sadio Mané responded less than ten minutes later. Both teams will return to action on Tuesday where they will aim to win the group, with Senegal currently holding the edge due to their decisive 3-0 victory over Botswana to begin the tournament.