DR Congo players celebrate after defeating Nigeria and securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup during the 2026 World Cup Qualifier CAF Play-Offs football match between the Nigeria and RD Congo at Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, 16 November 2026. ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix
Monday Dec 22, 2025. 13:00
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and Benin are set for a first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) meeting at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, beginning group D’s battle for the knockout stages.
Kick-off is at 2:30pm CAT.
DR Congo enjoyed a successful 2025, winning five and losing only one of their six group stage FIFA World Cup qualifiers, earning a spot in the African playoffs.
The Leopards’ success continued with a 1-0 win over Cameroon in the continent’s play-off semi-finals before the Leopards defeated Nigeria in the final to book its spot at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March.
DR Congo exceeded expectations at the previous edition, reaching the semi-finals and falling to hosts and eventual champions Ivory Coast. The nation missed out on a podium finish, losing to South Africa in a penalty shootout to be denied the bronze medal.
The two-time champions will be looking to go a step further at this year’s tournament and return to the top of the pile.
Appearing at the finals for the fifth time, Benin will be looking to win its first game from open play at the tournament.
The Cheetahs have played 14 previous games at the tournament, drawing five and losing nine.
Despite its record at the competition, the country impressed at the 2019 edition, reaching the quarterfinals. The Cheetahs drew each of their three group games before defeating Morocco on penalties in the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw. They crashed-out at the hands of Senegal, losing 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
Benin will be relying on the expertise of head coach Gernot Rohr, who is making his fourth appearance at the finals with his fourth team. He helped guide Nigeria to a third place finish in 2019 and will be looking to achieve new heights with Benin.
The two sides have met on two previous occasions, both in qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Their first clash, hosted in Benin, ended in a 1-1 draw before DR Congo claimed a 2-0 win at home.
By Nic Gleeson