AFCON: DR Congo secure crucial opening win against Benin

DR Congo kickstarted their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a narrow 1–0 win over Benin at Al Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The Leopards, as they are nicknamed, were the better side of the two as they began their campaign with a crucial win in the Group D opener.

It was the Leopards that enjoyed a good amount of possession in the first interval. The high pressing gave the Cheetahs a tough time building from the back. The unavailability of some key players visibly weakened Benin during the half.

The DRC drew first blood as Theo Bongonda broke the deadlock after dreadful defending by Yohan Roche. A long ball from Arthur Masuaku should have been cleared by Roche, but the centre-back left it as Bongonda capitalized on the mistake to score in the 16th minute. Dodo Doukou came closest to equalizing with a header ten minutes later.

Benin grew in confidence in the second half as they played better. The South African match official disallowed a second goal from DRC’s Cédric Bakambu minutes after the restart. Tamimou Ouorou’s powerful free-kick effort almost levelled matters for the West Africans in the 66th minute. Four minutes later, Bakambu was denied by Cheetahs goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe. Aiyegun Tosin almost had the decisive goal to level the match, but his effort was saved by Leopards keeper Lionel Mpasi in the 90th minute.

DRC fought hard to start their campaign with a victory. They now have three points as they extend their unbeaten run to six games. Benin will face Botswana on matchday two from Group D on December 27, while the DRC tackles Senegal.