Mané Puts Senegal on Top Again as Congo's Rally Fizzles in AFCON 2025
27 December 2025
Match Overview
DRC fail to avenge Senegal again as the teams settle for a 1-1 draw on Saturday in the second matchday of Group D at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
DR Congo took the lead through Cedric Bakambu in the 61st minute, before veteran Sadio Mane’s equalizer for the Lions of Teranga in the 69th.
Both goals followed the same pattern: Mane and Bakambu pounced on a rebound after the goalkeeper saved a shot.
Key Moments
Senegal controlled the game with over 60% possession, while Congo relied more on counters.
With the result, Senegal moved to four points, atop Group D, one goal ahead of Congo in second, while Benin sat third after beating Botswana 1-0.
Outlook and Standings
Senegal had previously dealt Congo a knockout blow in Kinshasa last September (3-2) in World Cup qualifying, a result that helped the Lions reach the World Cup directly, while Congo moved to the playoff.
In summary, the AFCON group race tightens, and Mane’s late strike once again reshaped the narrative for Senegal.
Punchline 1: If Mane keeps this up, the net will file a restraining order against his shots.
Punchline 2: And if football were a stage, Mane would be delivering the final act—while everyone else pretends to blink and miss the drama.
