Senegal – DR Congo: Last-16 spot already on the line 
Tanger Stadium hosts a Saturday night tie that already feels like knockout football. Senegal and DR Congo both kicked off AFCON 2025 with wins. The winner here punches a ticket to the last 16 without waiting for the final group game. Stakes are high.
Senegal: power, consistency and bold ambition 
Senegal roll into this tournament with the status they’ve earned over years. African champions in 2022, they’re one of the continent’s yardsticks and they keep delivering when it matters. The opener against Botswana confirmed that — a tidy 3-0 win, controlled from start to finish.
Nicolas Jackson grabbed a quick brace while the Senegal collective smothered their opponents. The Lions of Teranga created plenty of dangerous moments and left little room for the opposition. This performance slots into a strong recent run, marked by World Cup qualifying wins and steady attacking output.
Pape Thiaw has a balanced squad to work with. The centre-back pairing led by Kalidou Koulibaly brings calm. The midfield blends bite and precision. Up front, Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr’s movement gives multiple options around Jackson, who’s in fine form.
A win over DR Congo would put Senegal in prime position to finish top of the group and approach the rest of the tournament with breathing room.
DR Congo: defensive discipline and competitive grit 
DR Congo go into this one with no complexes. Two-time African champions, they stick to their identity: organised, hard to break down, and dangerous on the break. The 1-0 win over Benin in their opener was textbook.
Theo Bongonda scored the only goal, then the Leopards managed the lead with serious discipline. Protecting a score has become a trademark under Sébastien Desabre. Over their last six competitive matches the Congolese have conceded just once.
The defensive spine is experienced, with Mbemba acting like a boss and several players used to big occasions. Up front, Bakambu and Mbuku offer complementary profiles and can punish the smallest mistake.
The memory of the recent World Cup qualifying meeting with Senegal — a 3-2 loss after leading — is still fresh. DR Congo know they can compete. The trick is keeping concentration for the full 90.
Likely lineups
Senegal : Mendy ; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf ; I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Ndiaye ; Mané, I. Sarr, Jackson
DR Congo : Mpasi-Nzau ; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku ; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe ; Bongonda, Mbuku, Bakambu
Key points
- Both teams can clinch qualification with this match.
- Senegal boast impressive attacking firepower.
- DR Congo are on a very solid defensive run.
- Expect a tactical, combative battle.
Football Prediction Senegal vs DR Congo
Senegal to win
Expect a tight, intense game with few clear openings. Both sides know how to defend and keep risks down. In that setting, Senegal’s individual quality and attacking depth can decide a moment. The Lions could nick it.
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