Sadio Mane’s equalizer helped 2022 champions Senegal to a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the heavyweight showdown of the African Cup of Nations on Saturday.
Cedric Bakambou gave Leopards the lead just after the hour mark in Tangier, but Al Nasr forward Mane hit back soon after, ensuring Senegal remained top of Group D with one match remaining.
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Both teams have four points, but Senegal has the lead on goal difference ahead of Tuesday’s final group game against Benin.
Benin secured three points with a 1-0 win over Botswana in Rabat on Saturday, but Botswana remain bottom of the table with no points.
Sébastien Desabre’s Congolese team was looking for revenge after suffering a dramatic defeat in the previous national competition in September’s World Cup qualifiers.
Senegal came from behind 0-2 to win 3-2 in Kinshasa, finishing first in their group and qualifying for next year’s North American finals.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo was therefore forced to settle for second place, but could qualify for the World Cup if they win a one-off play-off against New Caledonia or Jamaica in Mexico in March.
Senegal, who had just beaten Botswana 3-0 and were seen as perhaps the biggest threat to Morocco’s chances of winning the title on home soil, had more possession and had more chances on the day.
However, Leopards took the lead in the 61st minute when Theo Bongonda, who scored the only goal in the opening win against Benin, fired a shot at the end of a fine move past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Real Betis striker Bakambu pounced on the rebound to score.
However, Senegal were only eight minutes behind when a great run from teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye scored the equaliser.
Mbaye, a 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger who was born in France and represented Paris Saint-Germain up to Under-20 level, recently committed his international future to Senegal, where he is eligible through one of his parents.
He was replaced by Ismaila Sarr immediately after Bakambu’s opening goal and scored the equalizer with a sharp run from the right flank.
Mbaye appeared to be injured trying to tackle Arthur Masuaku as he darted out, but his shot was blocked by Lionel Mpathi, but Mane was on target.
It was former Liverpool superstar Mane’s 10th AFCON goal in his sixth appearance in the tournament.
Benin records first-ever AFCON victory
Johan Roche scored the winning goal as Benin secured their first win in the African Cup of Nations final against Botswana in Group D in Rabat on Saturday.
Benin moved up to three points from their opening two games, level with Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who will play their second pool leg in Tangier later on Saturday.
Benin took the lead in the 28th minute when Roche played a one-two with captain Steve Mooney inside the box and his shot from 9 meters (10 yards) deflected off a defender and into the net.
Benin finally won the continental final on their 16th attempt, following their first appearance in 2004 and despite reaching the quarter-finals in 2019. They also have 10 losses with 5 draws remaining.
Botswana were barely able to make any headway, until Motusi Johnson’s curling free-kick hit the crossbar and beat the goalkeeper, but just missed the target.
Benin had several chances to add to the score, but Botswana goalkeeper Ngoitseone Phoko made a nice low shot to deny Tamimou Ourou.
After that, Dodo Dokou took a chance to take a shot 11 meters (12 yards) from the goal in stoppage time, but his shot went over the bar and left the goal wide open.
Botswana became the second team after Benin to lose their first five games in the Nations Cup after losing three on their debut in 2012 and losing 3-0 to Senegal this year.
They will play the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their final pool match on Tuesday, while Benin will play Senegal at the same time.
The top two teams in each pool and the top four third-place teams in the six groups qualify for the Round of 16.
