The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivers a blockbuster showdown today, Saturday, December 27, 2025, as the "Lions of Teranga" from Senegal face the "Leopards" of DR Congo. Kick-off is set for 15:00 GMT at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Morocco.
With both sides winning their openers, this is effectively a battle for the top spot in Group D and early qualification for the knockout rounds.
Matchday 1 Recap: Dominance vs. Efficiency
Senegal 3–0 Botswana
Senegal laid down a massive marker in their opening game. Nicolas Jackson was the star of the show, scoring a clinical brace to continue his sensational 2025 form. The victory was completed by a third goal from Cherif Ndiaye. Pape Thiaw’s side was authoritative, registering a record nine "big chances" and 17 shots on target, asserting their status as tournament favorites.
DR Congo 1–0 Benin
The Leopards secured a vital three points in a much tighter affair. Spartak Moscow winger Théo Bongonda proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the only goal of the game. Under Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo has become incredibly difficult to beat, recording their sixth consecutive international victory and fifth straight clean sheet in the process.
Tactical Breakdown: The Rematch of 2025
This match carries extra weight as the two nations recently faced off in a thrilling 2026 World Cup Qualifier in September 2025. Senegal won that encounter 3–2 after coming back from 2–0 down, a result that ultimately helped them secure a World Cup spot.
Senegal’s "Vertical" Evolution
Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal has maintained the defensive grit of the Aliou Cissé era but added more directness.
The Jackson Factor: All six of Nicolas Jackson’s international goals in 2025 have come within the first 60 minutes. His movement draws defenders away, creating space for Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye.
Midfield Dominance: The "Gueye duo" (Pape and Idrissa) provides a shield that allows full-backs like Ismaïla Sarr (operating in a more advanced role) to overlap constantly.
DR Congo’s Defensive Wall
Desabre’s Leopards are built on a "defense-first" philosophy that has transformed them into giant-killers.
The Mbemba Shield: Captain Chancel Mbemba leads a backline that has barely conceded in months. They will likely invite Senegal to attack, looking to strike on the break via Bongonda and the experienced Cédric Bakambu.
Midfield Grit: Samuel Moutoussamy will have the unenviable task of man-marking Senegal's creative hubs to disrupt their rhythm.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Senegal Team News
Senegal is in excellent health. They welcome back West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf from suspension. Though Assane Diao was ruled out of the tournament earlier this week, the depth of the squad remains unrivaled.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): E. Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; P. Gueye, I. Gueye; S. Mané, I. Ndiaye, I. Sarr; N. Jackson.
DR Congo Team News
The Leopards have a fully fit squad. The most notable absence is Yoane Wissa, who was left out of the tournament squad to ensure his full recovery from a knee injury for the upcoming World Cup playoffs in March.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Kayembe, Sadiki, Mbuku; Bakambu.
Head-to-Head: Recent Dominance
Senegal has held the upper hand in this rivalry over the last decade.
Last 8 Meetings: Senegal is unbeaten (W6, D2).
Last Meeting: DR Congo 2–3 Senegal (World Cup Qualifier, Sept 2025).
AFCON History: This is their 3rd meeting at the finals. They share one win each (DR Congo won in 1968, Senegal won in 2002).
Match Prediction: A First-Half Explosions?
Statistical trends suggest a fast start; Senegal has scored in the first half of six of their last seven games, while DR Congo has scored in the first half of eight of their last nine. While DR Congo's defense is elite, Senegal’s relentless attacking depth and recent psychological edge in World Cup qualifying make them slight favorites.
Final Score Prediction: Senegal 2–1 DR Congo
