AFCON 2025: DR Congo Claim Vital Opening Victory Over Benin
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Democratic Republic of Congo began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a positive note with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Benin in their Group D opener at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Nicknamed the Leopards, DR Congo dominated large spells of the encounter and showed greater composure and intent, particularly in the first half.
Their aggressive pressing unsettled Benin, popularly known as the Cheetahs, making it difficult for the West Africans to build from the back. Benin also felt the impact of missing key players, which affected their rhythm and defensive organisation early on.
The breakthrough arrived in the 16th minute when Theo Bongonda capitalised on a costly defensive lapse. Arthur Masuaku’s long ball should have been comfortably dealt with by Benin defender Yohan Roche, but a moment of hesitation allowed Bongonda to pounce and slot home the decisive goal.
Benin nearly responded ten minutes later, with Dodo Doukou coming close to an equaliser, but his header narrowly missed the target.
Benin improved after the interval, showing more urgency and attacking intent.
DR Congo thought they had doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Cédric Bakambu found the net, but the South African match official ruled out the effort for an infringement.
The Cheetahs continued to push forward and almost drew level in the 66th minute when Tamimou Ouorou unleashed a powerful free-kick that narrowly missed its mark.
Bakambu remained a constant threat at the other end, but Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe produced a fine save to deny the striker four minutes later.
Late drama followed as Aiyegun Tosin came agonisingly close to rescuing a point for Benin in the 90th minute, only to be denied by a brilliant save from DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The Leopards showed resilience and discipline to see out the match, securing all three points and extending their unbeaten run to six matches.
Attention now turns to matchday two, where Benin will face Botswana on December 27, while DR Congo prepare for a heavyweight clash against Senegal.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
