Ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane scored the equaliser as Senegal avoided a DR Congo upset, while Benin beat Botswana in their Group D second matches on Saturday.
The Africa Cup of Nations continues this Saturday with an important match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In their last first-round encounter, the teams concluded with a 1-1 draw.
Sadio Mané was awarded the TotalEnergies Man of the Match for his outstanding performance and goal against DR Congo.
Senegal started strong, dominating possession but struggling with final passes and missed chances, including from Jackson, Sarr, and Mané. DR Congo, while disciplined, had a disallowed goal for offside.
As the second half progressed, Senegal’s intensity dropped, allowing DR Congo’s Bakambu to score after a mistake by Mendy. However, Senegal quickly equalised when Ibrahim Mbaye set up Sadio Mané.
The match ended intensely, with both teams pushing for victory but ultimately drawing 1-1, each earning a fourth point in the tournament.
Earlier on, Benin recorded its first AFCON win in their history
Yohan Roche netted a deflected goal to secure Benin’s first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, leading to a 1-0 win against Botswana in their Group D match in Rabat on Saturday.
With this win, Benin now has three points after two games, putting them on equal footing with Senegal and the DRC, who are set to face off later on Saturday in Tangier.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute, when Roche combined with captain Steve Mounie for a quick one-two inside the box. His shot from about 9 meters (10 yards) took a significant deflection off a defender, finding its way into the net.
