Sadio Mané Rescues Point for Defending Champs After Cédric Bakambu Opener.

Senegal 1-1 DR Congo AFCON 2025

A thrilling encounter in Tangier saw Senegal come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against a resilient DR Congo side at the Stade Ibn-Batouta on December 27, 2025.

The Leopards stunned the Lions of Teranga just after the hour mark when Théo Bongonda‘s low shot was parried by Édouard Mendy, only for veteran striker Cédric Bakambu to pounce on the rebound and slot home the opener.

But Senegal responded quickly. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye burst forward and forced a save from Lionel Mpasi, with the rebound falling kindly to Sadio Mané, who calmly finished to level the score eight minutes later.

The first half saw Senegal dominate possession, with chances for Nicolas Jackson and others, but DR Congo, bolstered by Premier League stars like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba, held firm and grew into the game.

Both teams now sit on four points atop Group D (Senegal ahead on goal difference), with Benin on three after their earlier win over Botswana. The result keeps qualification firmly in their hands heading into the final group matches.

A fair outcome in a match full of intensity, these two heavyweights are both looking strong for deeper runs in AFCON 2025.