Sadio Mané struck midway through the second half to earn reigning champions Senegal a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in a tense Group D encounter at the Grand Stade de Tanger, keeping both sides firmly on course for qualification to the knockout stages.
The contest lived up to its billing as a potential group decider, with DR Congo taking a deserved lead early in the second period before Senegal’s experience and quality eventually told through their talismanic forward.
DR Congo claimed the advantage in the 19th minute of the second half when Cédric Bakambu capitalised on a swift counter-attack. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy failed to hold an initial attempt, and the experienced striker reacted quickest to fire home a left-footed shot from very close range into the bottom left corner, sending the Leopards’ supporters into raptures.
The goal was a reward for DR Congo’s improved performance after the interval. Having been cautious in the opening period, the Leopards emerged with greater intent and began to threaten Senegal’s defensive structure with their direct running and purposeful transitions.
Senegal, who had dominated possession during the first half whilst probing for openings, found themselves trailing for the first time in the tournament. The Lions of Teranga responded by increasing their tempo and circulating the ball more quickly, searching for gaps in DR Congo’s well-drilled defensive organisation.
The equaliser arrived in the 28th minute of the second half when Mané, Senegal’s talisman and one of African football’s most decorated players, struck with characteristic precision. The forward’s right-footed effort from the centre of the box found the bottom left corner, restoring parity and extending his impressive scoring record at major tournaments.
The match opened up considerably following Mané’s intervention, with both sides recognising the importance of securing all three points. Senegal pushed forward with increased urgency, committing more numbers in attack whilst DR Congo remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
Tension rose as the game entered its final phase, with both benches animated and urging their teams forward in search of a decisive moment. Senegal continued to enjoy the greater share of possession, but DR Congo’s defensive discipline—which had served them so well in their opening 1-0 victory over Benin—remained resolute.
Late pressure from the Lions of Teranga saw them push bodies forward, testing DR Congo’s resilience. However, the Leopards held firm, defending their penalty area with organisation and determination to secure a valuable point against one of the tournament favourites.
The draw extends Senegal’s unbeaten run and leaves them well-positioned at the top of Group D with four points from two matches. For DR Congo, the point maintains their excellent start to the tournament and represents a creditable result against the reigning champions, with four points also to their name.
Both teams will take confidence from their performances, knowing that victories in their final group matches will guarantee progression to the knockout stages. Senegal face Benin in their concluding fixture, whilst DR Congo meet Botswana.
The result also opens up the group dynamics, with both Benin’s historic victory over Botswana earlier in the day and this draw ensuring that all four teams retain mathematical hopes of qualification heading into the final round of matches.
