DR Congo Edge Benin as Group D Kicks Off at the Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations burst into life for Group D as DR Congo secured a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over Benin in the opening match of the day.
In a tightly contested encounter, the decisive moment arrived courtesy of Theo Bongonda.
Attention now turns to the second fixture in Group D, where tournament heavyweights Senegal will face Botswana.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DR Congo - Benin 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Bongonda, 16 (1:0)
DR Congo: Mpasi; Tuanzebe; Mbemba; Kayembe E. (Mukau, 55); Masuaku (Kayembe, 68); Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy; Sadiki; Mbuku (Cipenga Brian, 85); Bongonda (Elia, 68); Bakambu (Mayele, 85)
Substitution: Mukau (from 55); Kayembe (from 68); Elia (from 68); Cipenga Brian (from 85); Mayele (from 85)
Bench: Fayulu; Epolo; Kapuadi; Batubinsika; Bushiri; Kalulu; Kakuta; Pickel; Balikwisha M-A.; Essende
Yellow Cards: Moutoussamy 20; Kayembe E. 36; Bakambu 64
Benin: Allagbé; Ouorou; Roche Y.; Verdon; Moumini; D'Almeida (Attidjikou, 82); Imourane; Dodo Doku; Tosin (Tessilimi, 90); Aloko R.; Dossou (Amoussou, 63)
Substitution: Amoussou (from 63); Attidjikou (from 82); Tessilimi (from 90)
Bench: Ahlinvi; Kiki D.; Fassinou; Kossi R.
Yellow Cards: Dossou 52; Amoussou 72; Moumini 77
