Senegal remained unbeaten at the Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Group D, thanks to Sadio Mane's equalizer in Tangier. Cedric Bakambu had given the Leopards the lead midway through the second half. The result keeps Senegal top of the group on goal difference following their opening 3-0 win over Botswana.
The match between Senegal and DR Congo took place in Tangier as part of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage. Both teams entered the game with victories in their opening fixtures: Senegal defeated Botswana 3-0 with two goals from Nicolas Jackson, while DR Congo beat Benin 1-0.
Senegal lined up with Edouard Mendy in goal, defended by Bouna Sarr Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, and Ismail Jakobs, midfield featuring Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, and Ismaila Sarr, and forwards Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane. DR Congo started with Lionel Mpasi in goal, backed by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arthur Masuaku, with midfielders Kenneth Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, and Gedeon Kalulu, and attackers Cedric Bongonda, Cedric Bakambu, and Promise David Mbuku.
The first half was goalless despite Senegal's dominance in possession. In the 12th minute, Wan-Bissaka had a goal disallowed for offside. Jackson missed a chance from Mane's cut-back, and Sarr failed to hit the target from a good position. Mane shot over the bar, and Pape Gueye's curling effort was saved by Mpasi. Mendy made his first save, denying a strike from Sadiki.
DR Congo took the lead in the 60th minute when Bakambu prodded home after confusion from a Wan-Bissaka cross. Senegal equalized eight minutes later: Iliman Ndiaye's shot was saved by Mpasi, but the rebound fell to Mane, who finished past two defenders on the line.
Senegal pushed for a winner but could not break through, settling for a point that maintains their position at the top of Group D. The draw reflects the competitiveness between two sides with strong tournament histories—Senegal as joint-favorites and DR Congo as two-time winners.
