Sadio Mané Rescues Senegal as They Draw With DR Congo
Senegal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in a dramatic match with goals from Bakambu and Mané. Group D is wide open with everything to decide on the final day.
Senegal stays on top after dramatic draw with DR Congo
Senegal secured a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a tense and thrilling match in Tangier, maintaining their position at the top of Group D at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. After a balanced start, the team showed character and the ability to react against a rival seeking revenge for past defeats.
The match reaffirmed that Senegal remains one of the favorites to lift the trophy, while DR Congo kept the pressure high and posed threats on every counterattack, proving that any lapse in concentration could have changed the outcome.
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Bakambu shocks and ignites Tangier
The initial highlight of the second half came from Cédric Bakambu, who put the Leopards ahead by capitalizing on a rebound from Theo Bongonda and a brief mistake by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. His goal in the 61st minute stunned the Senegalese fans and sparked hope for DR Congo, recalling the intensity of their recent World Cup qualifying clashes.
Bakambu displayed precision and opportunism, reminding everyone why he is one of Africa’s most lethal forwards, though Senegal’s response would not take long.
Sadio Mané: the magic of the equalizer
The equalizer came eight minutes later thanks to the experience of Sadio Mané. With this goal Mané scoring his tenth AFCON goal in his sixth tournament.
The draw reaffirmed the resilience of the Lions of Teranga, who did not let the away goal affect their focus, maintaining possession and creating dangerous opportunities that could have changed the result.
A wide-open Group D and tension at its peak
With this result, Senegal and DR Congo both have four points, leaving everything to be decided on the final matchday of Group D. The decisive clash between Senegal and Benin will determine qualification, while the Leopards hope for a slip-up to secure their passage.
The tie highlights the competitiveness of the group and the importance of every moment in the AFCON. Senegal keeps the advantage on goal difference, but nerves and tension will be at their peak when both teams face their final opponents. In Africa, a single goal can change everything, and this match proved it once again.
