Senegal and DR Congo meet in a decisive AFCON 2025 Group D encounter on Saturday on the Grand Stade de Tanger, with each side aiming to construct momentum from opening-day victories. The Lions of Teranga started their marketing campaign in ruthless vogue, sweeping apart Botswana 3-0, a efficiency that underlined why they’re thought-about one of many event favourites.
That outcome positioned Senegal prime of the group on aim distinction and highlighted their attacking depth. Nicolas Jackson scored twice, whereas Sadio Mané was closely concerned all through. Their solely latest setback got here in a pleasant loss to Brazil, which ended a protracted unbeaten run, a match SoftFootball coated intimately.
DR Congo additionally began positively, edging Benin 1-0 due to a first-half strike from Théo Bongonda. That slender win mirrored their rising defensive self-discipline underneath Sébastien Desabre, with SoftFootball noting their confidence heading into Group D.
Traditionally, Senegal have dominated this fixture, remaining unbeaten within the final eight conferences. Their most up-to-date conflict led to a dramatic 3-2 World Cup qualifying comeback win after trailing 2-0 in Kinshasa, a reminder of their resilience underneath stress.
Group Information
Senegal welcome again left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from suspension, boosting their defensive choices. The one confirmed absentee is winger Assane Diao on account of a thigh harm. The DR Congo report no contemporary harm issues, though Axel Tuanzebe stays unavailable. Each squads are in any other case near full energy.
Potential Lineups
Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Ndiaye; Mane, I. Sarr, Jackson.
DR Congo (4-3-3): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Bongonda, Mbuku, Bakambu.
CAF On-line shared a video on their official X account highlighting Nicolas Jackson’s relaxed celebration after scoring a brace for Senegal.
Watch the video beneath:
With each groups boasting sturdy defensive information, a decent contest is anticipated. Nonetheless, Senegal’s attacking depth and up to date dominance on this fixture give them the sting. SoftFootball predicts a slender Senegal victory, seemingly settled by moments of high quality from Mané or Jackson, which might all however safe their place within the knockout phases.
Prediction: Senegal 1-0 DR Congo.
