AFCON 2025
Senegal and DR Congo have expectedly qualified for the second round of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after recording victories in their final group matches.
While Senegal remained in Tangier, DR Congo travelled back to Rabat to complete their final match in Group D.
Both teams needed a win not just to finish on seven points but also to claim top spot heading into the next round.
Senegal achieved both aims as they rolled past Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic with a convincing 3-0 win.
Abdoulaye Seck put the Terenga Lions ahead in the 38th minute with a header from Krepin Diatta’s cross from the right flank.
Habib Diallo doubled the lead two minuted after the hour mark as he received a pass from Sadio Mane in the box before unleashing a shot into the back of the net.
The Terenga Lions will be without their captain Kalidou Koulibaly in the next round as he got sent off for a rash tackle.
Nevertheless, Senegal increased their lead in added time of the 90 as Cherif Ndiaye scored from the penalty spot.
DR Congo also won by the same margin as the Leopards tore Botswana apart to finish second with seven points in second-place.
Gael Kakuta bagged a brace – one from the penalty spot after Nathaniel Mbuku’s opener in the 31st minute.
