Senegal 1–1 DR Congo: Mane strike earns Teranga Lions a draw with Leopards | OneFootball

Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations at Grand Stade de Tanger on Saturday afternoon.

Senegal came flying out of the blocks, creating the game’s first real chance inside the first minute, when Ismaila Sarr fired high inside the penalty area.

Nicolas Jackson missed another chance for Senegal after combining with Iliman Ndiaye before flashing his shot wide.

Despite the Teranga Lions’ dominance, they only managed to register their first shot on target on the stroke of halftime, with Lionel Mpasi saving Papa Gueye’s effort from range.

Congo started the second half with better attacking intent. Noah Sadiki forced Edouard Mendy to make a save, before Chancel Mbemba missed a chance from a corner.

Cedric Bakambu rewarded the Leopards for their bright start scoring with a tap-in just after the hour mark.

However, their momentum was halted as Sadio Mane drew level for Senegal, smashing a shot into the net from the edge of the box.

The former Liverpool star has now netted 10 goals at AFCON, surpassing former team-mate Mohamed Salah, whose decisive strike gave Egypt a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Friday.

Only Samuel Eto’o (14) and Didier Drogba (11) have scored more goals than the Senegalese captain at the competition this century.

Both sides struggled to create meaningful chances afterwards.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw made two attacking changes in a bid to get the winning goal. He replaced Jackson with Habib Diallo, while Lamine Camara came in for Gueye.

Shortly after, DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre responded by bringing on Michel-Ange Balikwisha for Meschack Elia.

Changes failed to spark either team, with chances remaining limited and the match ending 1–1.

The result leaves Senegal and DR Congo joint-top of Group D with four points, while Benin are third with three points, leaving the group open ahead of the final matchday.

The Teranga Lions face Benin, while the Leopards take on bottom-placed Botswana.