Mane rescues Senegal against DR Congo as Benin claim historic AFCON win
Sadio Mane once again proved decisive on the continental stage as Senegal held off a determined Democratic Republic of the Congo side to secure a 1–1 draw in a high-quality Africa Cup of Nations Group D encounter. Earlier in the day, Benin made history by recording their first-ever AFCON finals victory, edging Botswana 1–0 in Rabat.
The results leave Group D finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures, with qualification for the knockout stages still wide open.
Mane delivers as Senegal avoid DR Congo upset
Senegal were forced to dig deep in Tangier after Cedric Bakambu fired DR Congo into a surprise lead just after the hour mark. However, Sadio Mane responded swiftly, netting the equaliser to preserve Senegal’s unbeaten start to the tournament and maintain top spot in the group.
Both sides now sit on four points, though Senegal hold the advantage on goal difference ahead of Tuesday’s decisive clash against Benin.
Senegal dominated possession and created the clearer chances throughout the contest, but it was DR Congo who struck first in the 61st minute. A flowing move ended with Theo Bongonda’s effort being parried by Edouard Mendy, allowing Bakambu to react quickest and finish from close range.
The lead lasted just eight minutes.
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Senegal’s response was sparked by 17-year-old substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, who made an immediate impact after replacing Ismaila Sarr. The Paris Saint-Germain winger burst down the right flank, brushing past Arthur Masuaku before seeing his shot blocked by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Mane followed in instinctively to slot home the rebound.
It marked Mane’s 10th career AFCON goal and continued his reputation as Senegal’s most reliable big-game performer in what is his sixth Africa Cup of Nations appearance.
Despite late pressure from both sides, neither could find a winner, leaving Senegal well positioned but far from secure heading into the final group fixture.
Benin finally break AFCON duck against Botswana
Earlier in Rabat, Benin ended a 16-match winless run at AFCON finals with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Botswana, sealing the first finals win in the nation’s history.
The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Yohan Roche exchanged passes with captain Steve Mounie inside the box before firing goalward. His effort took a heavy deflection off a defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling into the net.
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It was a long-awaited breakthrough for Benin, whose previous AFCON appearances had yielded five draws and ten defeats, despite an impressive quarter-final run in 2019.
Botswana struggled to offer consistent attacking threat, though Mothusi Johnson came agonisingly close with a curling free-kick that struck the crossbar. Benin, meanwhile, had chances to extend their lead, with goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko producing a sharp save to deny Tamimou Ouorou.
Deep into stoppage time, Dodo Dokou squandered a golden opportunity to seal the win, blazing over from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Botswana’s defeat leaves them bottom of Group D with no points and no goals, continuing a difficult AFCON record that now includes five consecutive finals losses.
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Group D picture ahead of final matchday
With one round remaining:
- Senegal lead the group on goal difference
- DR Congo sit second on four points
- Benin remain firmly in contention with three points
- Botswana are eliminated
Senegal face Benin, while DR Congo meet Botswana on Tuesday, with Round of 16 qualification still to be decided.
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