Mane strikes to rescue a point for Senegal against DR Congo
Senegal and DR Congo played out a tense 1-1 draw in their AFCON 2025 Group D clash, with goals from Cédric Bakambu and Sadio Mané ensuring the spoils were shared. Both sides remain unbeaten, each sitting on four points after two matches.
The opening half was dominated by Senegal, who controlled possession and created several chances through Nicolas Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr. Jackson missed two clear opportunities inside the first 25 minutes, while Sadio Mané tested the Congolese goalkeeper from a free kick. Despite Senegal’s dominance, DR Congo held firm defensively, with Chancel Mbemba marshalling the backline and limiting clear-cut opportunities.
The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Cédric Bakambu latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past Édouard Mendy to give DR Congo the lead. Senegal responded quickly, and just eight minutes later, Sadio Mané equalized with a precise finish after a clever build-up involving Iliman Ndiaye. The match opened up after the goals, with both sides pushing for a winner, but neither could find the decisive strike.
Senegal enjoyed 64.1% possession compared to DR Congo’s 35.9%. Both teams registered 3 shots on target, though Senegal attempted 11 shots overall to Congo’s 7. Corner kicks favored Senegal (5 to 2), while both sides recorded 2 saves each. Senegal picked up one yellow card, while DR Congo finished without bookings.
| Stat | Senegal | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 64.1% | 35.9% |
| Shots (on target) | 11 (3) | 7 (3) |
| Corners | 5 | 2 |
| Saves | 2 | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
Coaches’ Reactions
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised his team’s resilience: “We showed character to come back after conceding. But we must be more clinical—our dominance must translate into goals.” He emphasized the need to sharpen finishing ahead of their final group game.
DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance: “We faced one of Africa’s strongest teams and matched them. Our defensive organization was excellent, and Bakambu’s goal showed our attacking quality. This point keeps us in a strong position.
The draw leaves both teams level on points at the top of Group D, setting up a thrilling final round of fixtures. Senegal will look to convert their possession into goals against their next opponent Benin, while DR Congo will aim to maintain their defensive solidity and capitalize on attacks against Botswana. With both sides showing flashes of brilliance, they remain strong contenders for the knockout stages.
Group D Standings (AFCON 2025)
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | +/- | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senegal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 4 |
| 2 | DR Congo | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 | Benin | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Botswana | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Botswana sit bottom with no points and will need a miracle to qualify when they face DR Congo. Senegal lead on goal difference, showing strong attacking form with 4 goals scored. DR Congo remain unbeaten, level on points with Senegal but behind on goal difference.
Benin are still in contention with 3 points, needing a result in their final group game against Senegal.
