In a thrilling encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal demonstrated their resilience as Sadio Mane’s equalizer secured a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This result keeps Senegal at the top of Group D, showcasing their dominance in the tournament while the DRC aims to salvage their World Cup ambitions. With the backdrop of football uniting nations, both teams prepare for decisive matches that could shape their paths in the championship.
Sadio Mane’s crucial equalizer ensured that the 2022 champions Senegal maintained their position atop Group D in the Africa Cup of Nations, as they played to a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Saturday. The match, held in Tangier, witnessed Cedric Bakambu giving the Leopards an early lead in the second half, only for Mane, a forward with Al-Nassr, to respond swiftly, preserving Senegal’s unbeaten streak.
With both teams now on four points, Senegal’s superior goal difference places them in a strong position leading into their final group match against Benin on Tuesday. The Benin team managed to secure three points earlier in the day, recording a historic 1-0 victory against Botswana, who find themselves at the bottom of the group without any points or goals.
The DRC, under coach Sebastien Desabre, sought to avenge a recent defeat to Senegal during World Cup qualifying in September, where Senegal rallied from a two-goal deficit to clinch a dramatic 3-2 victory in Kinshasa. This loss meant the DRC had to settle for second place in that qualification round but still remains hopeful about World Cup prospects with a playoff against either New Caledonia or Jamaica scheduled for March in Mexico.
In the match against the DRC, Senegal, fresh off a dominating 3-0 victory over Botswana, showcased their prowess by controlling possession and creating multiple opportunities. However, it was the DRC that broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. Theo Bongonda’s well-crafted move led to Bakambu capitalizing on a rebound from Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal’s response was prompt. Just eight minutes after falling behind, teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye made a significant impact with a scintillating run that ultimately led to Mane finding the back of the net. Mbaye, a 17-year-old PSG talent who recently pledged his international future to Senegal through familial ties, replaced Ismaila Sarr shortly after Bakambu’s goal and played a pivotal role in leveling the match.
Mane’s strike in this match marks his tenth goal in the AFCON, reinforcing his status as a key player across his sixth tournament appearance.
In the earlier match, Benin celebrated a historic first win at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, achieved through a deflected shot from Yohan Roche, which secured a 1-0 triumph against Botswana. Moving to three points from their opening two matches, Benin achieved their first victory at the continental finals on their 16th attempt, having debuted in 2004. Despite previous challenges, including five draws and ten defeats, this victory marks a significant milestone for the Beninese squad.
Botswana, in contrast, struggled offensively and became the second team to lose five consecutive matches in the tournament, having also faced earlier defeats in 2012 and this year’s opener against Senegal. Looking ahead, Botswana will face the DRC in their final group match, while Benin prepares to clash with Senegal.
With the tournament’s structure allowing the top two teams from each group, along with four additional best third-placed teams, to advance to the Round of 16, the upcoming matches promise to showcase the thrilling spirit and competitive nature of African football.
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