DR Congo got their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a perfect start after a hard fought 1-0 win over Benin in Group D at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
Théo Bongonda’s first-half goal handed Sébastien Desabre all maximum points in a game they could have won by a better margin.
The goal arrived in the 16th minute when Bongonda capitalised on a defensive lapse to poke calmly past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé and open the scoring.
The Leopards continued to press after taking the lead, moving the ball with purpose and stretching a Benin side missing five suspended regular starters.
Cédric Bakambu came close to doubling the advantage, forcing Allagbé into a strong one-on-one save, while another effort was ruled out for offside as DR Congo threatened to pull clear.
Desabre will fancy his chances to qualify past this Group that also has Senegal and Botswana, as the side continue their search for an elusive third AFCON title.
It’s been an impressive year for DR Congo who are on the verge of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after reaching the Inter Continental Playoffs.
Work is now cut out for Benin tactician Gernot Rohr as he seeks to hand the side best AFCON finish since reaching quarterfinals back in 2019.
