FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Senegal held by DR Congo in intense World Cup qualifier battle

by
Collins Okinyo
June 7, 2024

DR Congo fought back to hold Senegal to a 1-1 draw in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Thursday.

The result leaves Senegal placed second in the Group B standings – two points behind leaders, Sudan who secured a 2-0 victory over Mauritania on Thursday.

DR Congo, on the other hand, are placed third in the standings – a point behind Senegal. The two teams will be in action on 9 June as Senegal take on Mauritania away, while DR Congo host Togo.

The Lions of the Teranga controlled the match from the start with Nicolas Jackson looking lively for the hosts and the Chelsea striker was closely marked by Chancel Mbemba.

Jackson was involved when the deadlock was broken in first-half stoppage time as he set up Pape Matar Sarr who beat goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud to hand Senegal a 1-0 lead heading into the half-time break.

The hosts continued to dominate possession after the restart and coach Sebastien Desabre decided to make a change in the 84th minute – introducing Fiston Mayele.

The Pyramids striker proved to be an inspired substitute as he hit the back of the net in the 85th minute – beating Edouard Mendy to ensure that the match ended in a 1-1 draw on the night.

Senegal: Mendy, Niakhate, Koulibaly, Seck, P. M Matar (L. Camara 90′), I. Gueye (Ciss 78′), H. Diarra, Iliman (P Gueye 62′), Sarr, Diallo (Sima 78′), Jackson (C. Ndiaye 90′).

DR Congo: Bertaud, Mbemba, Inonga, Masuaku (J. Kayembe 84′), Tuanzebe, Pickel (Akolo 74′), Moutoussamy, Kakuta (E. Kayembe 74′), Wissa (Bongonda 58′), Essende, Elia (Mayele 84′)

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com