Meschack Elia of DR Congo challenges IPape Alassane Gueye of Senegal during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match between Senegal and DR Congo on the 27 December 2025 at Grand Stadium Tangier in Tangier ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Saturday Dec 27, 2025. 19:26
Senegal and DR Congo failed to set the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations alight after they played out to a subdued 1-1 draw at the Tangier Grand Stadium on Saturday.
It was far from an action-packed affair as neither goalkeeper had a save to make in the first half, but the deadlock was finally broken by Cedric Bakambu on 61 minutes before Sadio Mane found a quick reply for the Lions of Teranga to earn them a share of the spoils.
Pape Thiaw’s side retained top spot in Group D ahead of the Leopards on goal difference, while Benin trail them by a point after getting their AFCON campaign up and running with a 1-0 win over Botswana earlier on in the day.
Senegal bossed possession throughout in Tangier, although they created very few clear-cut chances. Nicolas Jackson had an early sight at goal when fired just wide of the left post from the edge of the box on nine minutes.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka thought he had scored five minutes later, but DR Congo’s celebrations were cut short by the offside flag before Jackson went close again on 22 minutes with an effort from 18 yards out that flew the wrong side of the left post.
Mane was just a whisker away from opening the scoring in the 38th minute as his free-kick flashed inches past the left post. Sebastien Desabre’s side shifted gears in the second half after not managing a single shot at goal before the break.
Noah Sadiki drew a save out of Edouard Mendy on 53 minutes after being teed up on the edge of the area and shooting through a crowded penalty area.
DR Congo then hit the front from their next attack just past the hour mark when Bakambu tapped home from close range after a rebound broke kindly for him and left Mendy stranded.
Theo Bongonda almost doubled their advantage four minutes later as he controlled a cross on the edge of the box and lined up a shot that narrowly missed the target.
However, the Leopards were pegged back on 69 minutes by a clinical finish from Mane, who pounced on a rebound 18 yards out and unleashed a stroke that went in off the left post.
The referee was summoned to the pitchside monitor by VAR but the goal was allowed to stand. Both teams seemed happy to settle for a point as neither of them were very adventurous in the final 20 minutes.
Senegal (0) 1 (Mane 69′)
DR Congo (0) 1 (Bakambu 61′)