Africa Cup of Nations – Bakambu scores, Mane saves, Senegal 1-1 Democratic Republic of Congo

The second round of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continued, with Senegal ultimately drawing 1-1 with the Democratic Republic of Congo. After this match, they temporarily sit atop Group D on goal difference, tied with the Democratic Republic of Congo on 4 points.

Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo exchanged attacks early on, but neither managed to score. In the 9th minute, Iliman Ndiaye delivered a through ball down the right flank, and Nicolas Jackson dribbled past Chancellor Mbemba in the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot that went just wide. In the 14th minute, Theo Bognada headed the ball across goal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose shot was ruled offside.

In the 22nd minute, Sadio Mane made a run into the left side of the penalty area and cut the ball back, but Jackson's shot from the center went just wide. In the 38th minute, Senegal won a free kick at the edge of the penalty area, but Mane's direct shot went over the crossbar. In the 45th minute, Pape Gueye's low shot from the edge of the penalty area was brilliantly saved by Lionel Mpassic.

After the break, the Democratic Republic of Congo intensified its attack on Senegal. In the 53rd minute, Ngalayel Moukau cut inside from the right and delivered a cross, but Noah Sadiki's shot inside the box was saved by Eduard Mendy. Atil Masuwaku then took a corner from the left, and Mbemba's header at the near post went over the crossbar. In the 61st minute, the deadlock was finally broken by the Democratic Republic of Congo: Wan-Bissaka delivered a cross from the right side of the box, and Bognada's shot from the center was saved by Mendy. Cedric Bakambu then followed up and scored, making it 1-0.

However, the Democratic Republic of Congo's lead lasted only about eight minutes. In the 69th minute, Ibrahim Mbaye sprinted halfway and unleashed a shot, which was blocked by Mpassi's outstretched leg. Mane arrived just in time, adjusted his position, and slotted the ball into the empty net, helping Senegal equalize.

Neither side managed to score again. The match ended in a 1-1 draw between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.