THE race for places in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensified on Saturday as Senegal, DR Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Benin Republic and Botswana all featured in dramatic group-stage encounters marked by late goals, missed penalties and historic milestones.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Senegal were forced to come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in a fiercely contested Group D clash in Tangier, with star forward Sadio Mane once again proving decisive.
The Leopards struck first just after the hour mark when Cedric Bakambu pounced from close range, finishing off a rebound after Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy failed to hold onto Theo Bongonda’s low drive.
However, Senegal responded swiftly. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sliced through the Congolese defence eight minutes later, forcing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into a save. The loose ball fell kindly to Mane, who calmly tucked it home from close range despite pressure from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, restoring parity for the Teranga Lions.
The result leaves Senegal top of Group D on four points, narrowly ahead of DR Congo on goal difference. Benin Republic, boosted by an earlier victory, sit third with three points, while Botswana remain bottom and on the brink of elimination.
Both Senegal and DR Congo will fancy their chances of progression when the final group matches take place on Tuesday, with Senegal facing Benin in Tangier and DR Congo meeting Botswana in Rabat.
In Group C, Uganda were denied a crucial victory after Allan Okello missed a late penalty in a 1-1 draw against Tanzania at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.
Tanzania, who had gone winless in 10 AFCON matches across four tournaments, looked poised for a historic victory after Simon Msuva converted a first-half penalty to put the Taifa Stars ahead.
Uganda rallied late, and substitute Uche Ikpeazu headed home a fine cross from Denis Omedi with just 10 minutes remaining to bring the Cranes level.
Drama peaked in the closing stages when Uganda were awarded a penalty, but Okello failed to convert, leaving both East African rivals frustrated.
Uganda coach Paul Put did not hide his disappointment after the match.
“I have a very bad feeling because I think we didn’t deserve this draw. We had more opportunities,” he said. On the missed penalty, he added: “That is very, very painful, but that is also football.”
The stalemate does little to boost the qualification hopes of either side, both of whom are also preparing to co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya.
Earlier in Group D, Benin Republic made history by recording their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory, defeating Botswana 1-0 in Rabat.
The decisive moment came in the first half when defender Yohan Roche combined neatly with returning striker Steve Mounie before sending a looping, deflected effort over goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
The goal marked Benin’s first win in normal time in their 16th AFCON match, spread across five tournament appearances.
Botswana came close to equalising when Mothusi Johnson curled a superb free-kick against the crossbar, while Phoko later kept his side in the contest with two fine saves in the second half.
Despite the defeat, Botswana showed resilience but now face a must-win final group game against DR Congo.
With the final round of group matches looming, qualification remains wide open across the sections. While four points may be enough for heavyweights Senegal and DR Congo to progress, topping the group carries a significant advantage, a more favourable draw against a third-placed finisher in the last 16.
As AFCON 2025 gathers momentum, the margins between success and disappointment are growing thinner, and every goal or missed penalty is proving decisive.