How and Where to Watch: DR Congo vs. Benin on beIN SPORTS

Momentum, confidence, and recent history all favor DR Congo. But in a demanding group, every opening match carries real weight.

DR Congo Arrive With Confidence and Momentum

Life is looking positive for DR Congo fans on the eve of the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Benin, live on beIN SPORTS. The match in Rabat finds the Leopards full of belief and aiming to build on recent success.

Toda la emoción de la AFCON 2025 se vive en exclusiva por beIN Sports.

After reaching the semifinals at AFCON 2023, DR Congo head into this tournament with the confidence of a side that knows how to compete deep into the knockout rounds.

CAF Africa Cup of Nations

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Talent Remains Despite a Key Absence

Although Yoane Wissa will miss the tournament opener, the absence of the Newcastle United forward does not strip DR Congo of attacking threat. Injuries have limited Wissa since his move from Brentford, but the squad remains loaded with experience and quality.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham is expected to provide constant danger down the right flank, while the ever-reliable Cédric Bakambu continues to be a dependable source of goals in attack.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - CAF Qualifiers - Playoffs - Final - Nigeria v Democratic Republic of Congo - Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco - November 16, 2025 Democratic Republic of Congo's Noah Sadiki celebrates scoring a penalty during a penalty shootout REUTERS/Abdelmjid Rizkou

A Team in Form Under Desabre

DR Congo arrive at AFCON 2025 in outstanding form, with head coach Sébastien Desabre guiding the team through a five-match winning streak. That run has carried them to the brink of FIFA World Cup qualification, where a playoff victory against New Caledonia or Jamaica would book a place at next summer’s finals.

The momentum is real, and the opener against Benin offers a chance to set the tone in a demanding group.

Benin Return With Experience on the Bench

Benin return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the last two editions and face a challenging task in a group that also includes Senegal and Botswana.

While the squad may be seen as underdogs, experience will not be lacking on the touchline. Head coach Gernot Rohr is at his fourth AFCON finals, having previously led Nigeria, Niger, and Gabon at this level — a factor that could prove crucial in a tight group.