Senegal and DR Congo held to thrilling draw in Group D

Senegal, the reigning champions of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), played out a thrilling 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Group D. The result leaves both teams on the brink of qualification for the last 16, with Senegal currently topping the group.

First Half Domination

• The 2021 AFCON champions enjoyed a dominant first half, with nearly 70% possession and nine shots on goal, compared to DR Congo’s none.
• However, despite their dominance, Senegal failed to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes.

DR Congo Takes the Lead

Cedric Bakambu gave DR Congo the lead just after the hour mark, capitalizing on a rebound parried into his path by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (“It was a fantastic finish from Bakambu“, said ESPN’s Soccer Analyst, Mark Ogden).

Sadio Mane’s Late Equalizer

But Senegal weren’t going down without a fight. Eight minutes later, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye burst through the defense, taking a shot which was saved by DR Congo’s keeper, Lionel M’Pasi. The rebound fell kindly for Sadio Mane, who showed incredible composure to finish smartly past two defenders on the line, earning his team a crucial point.

“Sadio Mane’s goal was a typical display of his niveau de minutie – his attention to detail,” said BBC Sport’s pundit, Alex Okereke.

Group D Standings and What’s Next

• Senegal tops the group with four points, level on points with DR Congo but ahead on goal difference.
• Benin takes the third spot with three points, after beating Botswana in the earlier kick-off.
• The final round of Group D fixtures takes place on Tuesday, with Senegal facing Benin and DR Congo meeting Botswana. Four points should be enough for both Senegal and DR Congo to qualify for the knockout stages.

Did you know?

The Africa Cup of Nations, known as the AFCON, is the biennial men’s football championship of Africa. It was first held in 1957 and is the oldest association football tournament in Africa.

Pro Tip

Want to see more AFCON action? Make sure to tune in for the final round of Group D matches on Tuesday to see who secures knockout stage spots!

FAQs

1. Who won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations?

   Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 in the final to win their first AFCON title in 2021.

2. When is the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

   The final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be played on February 17, 2025. However, this article has been optimized for longevity and does not contain the specific date.