DR Congo struck first just after the hour mark when Cédric Bakambu reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy could only parry Theo Bongonda’s low shot, allowing Bakambu to tap in from close range and give the Leopards a deserved lead following a stronger start to the second half.
Senegal responded swiftly. Eight minutes later, substitute Ibrahim Mbaye injected pace and urgency into the attack, bursting through the Congolese defence and forcing a save from Lionel Mpasi. The loose ball fell kindly for Sadio Mané, who showed trademark calm to steer the ball home, beating Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the goal line to restore parity.
The draw leaves Senegal top of Group D on four points, level with DR Congo but ahead on goal difference. Benin sit third with three points, while Botswana remain bottom and close to elimination after a 1–0 defeat to Benin earlier on Saturday.
The final group matches will be played on Tuesday, with Senegal staying in Tangier to face Benin, while DR Congo travel to Rabat to take on Botswana. With four points already secured, both Senegal and DR Congo are well placed to advance to the last 16, though finishing top of the group would offer a more favorable tie against a third-placed qualifier in the next round.
A game of two halves in Tangier
The meeting of the group’s top two sides carried high expectations. Senegal had opened their campaign with a convincing 3–0 win over Botswana, while DR Congo edged past Benin 1–0. Recent history also added intrigue, with Senegal having overturned a 2–0 half-time deficit to beat DR Congo 3–2 in World Cup qualifying last September.
Despite the lively atmosphere and constant drumbeat inside the stadium, the first half failed to ignite. DR Congo did not manage a single shot on target, while an early goal by Wan-Bissaka was ruled out after Bongonda was judged offside in the build-up.
Senegal controlled possession and created the clearer chances before the break. Nicolas Jackson went close with a side-footed effort, and Mpasi was forced into action to push Pape Gueye’s long-range strike wide.
DR Congo emerged with greater intent after the interval. Noah Sadiki tested Mendy with a powerful effort before Bakambu capitalised on Senegal’s defensive lapse to open the scoring, his second goal of the tournament.
Mbaye’s direct running proved decisive for Senegal’s equaliser, but the final 20 minutes produced few clear-cut opportunities as both sides appeared content to protect a result that keeps them firmly on course for the knockout stage.
With qualification now within reach, the final round of Group D fixtures will determine who claims top spot—and a potentially smoother path in the next phase of the tournament.