DR Congo vs Benin AFCON 2025

DR Congo national football team kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Benin in Group D on Monday night in Rabat, Morocco. The narrow win gives the Leopards an early boost in what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive group.

The match was decided by a moment of defensive lapse and clinical finishing, as DR Congo capitalised on their dominance to secure all three points.

Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone

The decisive goal arrived in the 16th minute. A long forward ball from left-back Arthur Masuaku caught Benin’s defence off guard. Centre-back Yohan Roche misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Theo Bongonda to react first.

Bongonda showed excellent composure, guiding a first-time volley low into the bottom right corner from close range. The early strike gave DR Congo control and forced Benin to chase the game.

Bakambu Denied by VAR and Missed Chances

DR Congo pushed for a second goal after the break, with Cédric Bakambu at the heart of their attacking threat. Just minutes into the second half, Bakambu thought he had doubled the lead with a close-range header.

However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out due to an infringement in the build-up. The decision frustrated the Leopards but did not slow their momentum.

Soon after, Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe produced a crucial one-on-one save to deny Bakambu again. The striker later squandered another golden opportunity, heading straight at the keeper from a well-delivered free-kick.

Despite their dominance, DR Congo failed to convert their chances, leaving the match finely balanced until the final whistle.

Benin’s Late Push Falls Short

Benin struggled to turn possession into clear opportunities for much of the match. Still, they came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the final minute of normal time.

Forward Aiyegun Tosin fired a shot from a tight angle that struck the legs of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The ball trickled dangerously across the goalmouth before bouncing to safety.

Technical problems with the referee’s communication equipment resulted in 10 minutes of added time, increasing the tension. Nevertheless, the Leopards defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage.

Strong Momentum for the Leopards

DR Congo entered AFCON 2025 with confidence after impressive recent performances. Under head coach Sébastien Desabre, they reached the semi-finals of the previous tournament in Ivory Coast.

In addition, the Central African side defeated both Cameroon and Nigeria in recent 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off fixtures. That momentum was evident in Rabat, where they created the better chances and controlled large spells of the game.

The victory puts DR Congo in a strong position ahead of a crucial clash with Senegal national football team, who could also reach three points if they defeat Botswana in the other Group D match.

Benin Look Ahead Despite Setback

For Benin national football team, the defeat was disappointing but not disastrous. The Cheetahs were playing their first AFCON finals match since their quarter-final run in 2019.

They were also missing key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and forward Junior Olaitan. Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr will hope to see improvement when Benin face Botswana next.

The expected return of striker Steve Mounié could provide the cutting edge they lacked in their opener.

What’s Next in Group D?

Two-time AFCON winners DR Congo now travel to Tangier for a heavyweight showdown against Senegal—a fixture that could define Group D. Meanwhile, Benin must regroup quickly as they aim to revive their tournament hopes.

With early drama, VAR controversy, and late tension, AFCON 2025 has already delivered—and Group D is only just getting started.