Preview: Senegal and DR Congo battle for knockout spot in high-stakes AFCON clash

Senegal and DR Congo meet in a decisive Group D fixture where a victory would guarantee early qualification for the AFCON 2025 knockout rounds.

Former champions Senegal and two-time winners DR Congo face off at the Tangier Grand Stadium this Saturday evening in a pivotal Group D encounter.

Both nations entered the second round of fixtures following decisive opening-day victories, meaning the winner of this match will officially secure progression to the AFCON 2025 knockout stages.

Senegal currently holds the top spot on goal difference after a commanding 3-0 win over Botswana in their tournament debut.

Senegal’s attack made history in their opener, recording 17 shots on target—the highest in an AFCON match since 2010.

Nicolas Jackson, who scored twice, and Sadio Mane, who registered six shots on target, remain the primary threats for the Lions of Teranga.

Head coach Pape Thiaw has a near-full squad available, bolstered by the return of left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from suspension, though winger Assane Diao remains sidelined with a thigh injury.

DR Congo enters the contest as a formidable defensive unit, having secured five clean sheets in their last six competitive matches.

The Leopards opened their campaign with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Benin thanks to a Theo Bongonda strike.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre relies on a physically robust backline led by Chancel Mbemba and West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, aiming to avenge their recent 3-2 World Cup qualifying loss to Senegal in Kinshasa.

The match is expected to be a tactical battle between two of the continent’s elite defenses.

While DR Congo has proven they can protect narrow leads, Senegal’s high-tempo offense, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye, provides a significant challenge.

Experts anticipate a “very tactical and tight game,” with the Lions of Teranga favored to secure a narrow 1-0 victory due to their superior individual attacking quality and recent competitive momentum.