In an exciting matchup, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) are poised to clash in the AFCON group stage on Saturday at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier. This encounter promises high stakes as both teams seek to capitalize on a strong start in the tournament.
Senegal kicked off its 2025 AFCON campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Botswana, showcasing their attacking prowess. This win adds to their remarkable record, as the Lions of Teranga have now won their opening match in six consecutive AFCON tournaments, equaling their streak from 1976 to 1988. Their current form highlights an unbeaten streak in their last eight AFCON group-stage matches, where they have secured six wins and two draws.
On the other hand, DR Congo also started their campaign on a positive note, edging out Benin 1-0. The Leopards are looking to make history by achieving their first back-to-back winning start in AFCON, which has eluded them even during their championship runs in 1968 and 1974. Their last successful second group-stage match dates back to the 1996 edition, and they will be eager to break this streak against a formidable opponent like Senegal.
Both teams currently sit on three points in Group D, with Senegal leading due to a superior goal difference. The significance of this match is heightened by the memories of the previous AFCON edition, where both teams fell short of glory. DR Congo reached the semifinals but was eliminated by the hosts, while Senegal, who entered as defending champions, faced a shocking exit in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout loss to the same hosts.
Historically, Senegal holds an advantage in head-to-head matchups against DR Congo, winning six out of ten meetings, with both teams managing two wins in their encounters at the AFCON.
Key players to watch include Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson, who scored two goals in the opening match against Botswana, and DR Congo’s Cédric Bakambu, who will be looking to make an impact after a quiet game against Benin. Jackson’s current form, with six goals in his last five starts, poses a significant threat, while Bakambu aims to reassert himself as a key player for his team.
The outcome of this match could set the tone for the rest of the tournament, and both teams will be keen to secure vital points as they aim for the knockout stages.