AFCON 2025: Mane’s goal earns Senegal draw against DR Congo

Sadio Mane scored for Senegal as the country came from behind to draw 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo and retain top place in Group D at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

Cedric Bakambu put the Congolese ahead in the 61st minute, but Mané equalized eight minutes later with his 51st goal for his country, one of the favorites to win the tournament.

The two countries both have four points from their opening two matches and look set to progress comfortably into the last 16, with a final group match for each on Tuesday.

Senegal leads DR Congo on goal difference after beating Botswana 3-0 in their opening match on Monday, while DR Congo edged Benin 1-0 the same day.

Senegal had come from behind in September to beat DR Congo in Kinshasa in a key World Cup qualifier and then booked a place in next year’s final in North America, providing an intriguing backdrop to Saturday’s Cup of Nations match.

It meant the match was cagey at times, with both sides cautious in their approaches, although Nicolas Jackson had a few chances for Senegal in the first half and went close with close-range efforts.

Congo defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka had the ball in the net midway through the first half, but it was offside.

It took the lead with a sweeping move forward that saw Theo Bongonda combine with Wan-Bissaka before firing a shot that Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy could only parry into the path of Bakambu, who finished from close range.

Senegal’s 17-year-old substitute Ibrahim Mbaye equalized for Mane with a dazzling run, although he benefited from the sudden retirement of Congo defender Arthur Masuaku with a suspected Achilles tendon injury. Mbaye’s shot was stopped by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi but fell for Mane who swept home.

Senegal concludes its group campaign against Benin, while DR Congo will simultaneously play Botswana on Tuesday.

Published on December 27, 2025