Senegal held its place. Opposed to Benin during the third and final day of Group D of the CAN, the Lions of Teranga had a clear objective: to maintain first place and avoid a tricky round of 16. Opposite, the Cheetahs, already assured of being among the best third-placed teams, held out for a long time, while the DR Congo, engaged simultaneously against Botswana, had the same ambitions at the top of the group.
Faced with a well-organized Benin, Senegal initially struggled to find space. Regrouped and disciplined, the Cheetahs held out for a large part of the first period, multiplying their effective interventions. Pape Thiaw’s men monopolized the ball without really worrying the Beninese defense, leaving doubt about the outcome of the match.
The scenario nevertheless accelerated around the break. While DR Congo temporarily took control of the group thanks to goals from Mbuku and Kakuta from the penalty spot, Senegal reacted immediately. In the 40th minute, Seck freed his team with a header, allowing the Lions to regain first place in Group D in the live rankings game.
Algeria for the DRC
In the second half, the pressure remained intense. Despite a third Congolese goal from Kakuta in the other match, Senegal regained control thanks to Habib Diallo, well served after a difference made by Sadio Mané. Chérif Ndiaye definitively sealed the fate of the match, by converting a penalty at the end of added time.
Reduced to ten after the expulsion of Kalidou Koulibaly, the Lions of Téranga held on until the end to win 3-0 and validate first place in group D. DR Congo, despite its efforts, finished second and inherited a tough round of 16 against Algeria on Tuesday January 6. For its part, Senegal continues its journey with confidence and will have to face the third in group E, with the assumed status of favorite.
