The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) began their Africa Cup of Nations journey on a high note, edging past Benin 1-0 in their Group D opener at Al Medina Stadium on Tuesday.
The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Theo Bongonda of Spartak Moscow capitalized on a defensive lapse by Benin to slot the ball into the net, giving the Leopards an early lead.
DR Congo thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after the break when Cedric Bakambu connected with a Nathanael Mbuku cross, heading the ball home. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving Bongonda’s strike as the only goal of the match.
The victory puts DR Congo in a strong position in a challenging group that also features 2022 champions Senegal and Botswana, who were set to clash later Tuesday in Tangier.
Sebastien Desabre’s side, featuring West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sunderland’s young midfielder Noah Sadiki, are aiming to build on their recent semi-final finish at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast.
The Leopards’ ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with a play-off scheduled in Mexico against either New Caledonia or Jamaica in March. The winner will join Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.
