CAN 2025: Ibrahim Mbaye won over all the Senegalese leaders against DR Congo | OneFootball

The PSG striker energized the attack and propelled his team toward the equalizer.

CAN 2025: Ibrahim Mbaye won over all the Senegalese leaders against DR Congo

On Saturday, Senegal shared the points with the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-1) on Matchday 2 of the group stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Tangier. Ibrahim Mbaye, who came off the bench, completely transformed the Lions' game and was at the heart of the equalizer scored by Sadio Mané.

At just 17, Ibrahim Mbaye grabbed all the headlines late Saturday afternoon. Substituted in shortly after Congo took the lead, his presence shifted the momentum for Senegal. The Paris Saint-Germain-trained winger, born in France, tormented the Leopards' defense with a flurry of dribbles and surging runs down the right flank.

The young PSG forward sparked a sharp attack down the right, exploiting a gap left by the opposition defense. His initial shot was blocked by the keeper, but the rebound fell perfectly for Sadio Mané, who made no mistake and leveled the score in the 69th minute. After the match, Senegal's senior players were quick to praise Mbaye's performance.

"He's a very good player, we all knew it. I hope he keeps coming on like that," said Iliman Ndiaye.

"He made a superb entrance, very dynamic. He brought fresh energy to the team. That's what we ask of everyone—to help the team. I'm proud of him. We're all here to protect him," declared Moussa Niakhaté.

"His entry is exactly what we expect from anyone coming into these matches. We have 28 players who could start at any moment, and Mbaye showed some great things. I'm happy," commented captain Kalidou Koulibaly.

added Pape Gueye.