Dakar Université Club began their Ligue 2 campaign with a determined display, battling back to draw 1-1 against AS Bambey in a tense opening-round encounter on Sunday.
Playing away from home, DUC found themselves under pressure for much of the first half as the hosts dictated play before taking the lead just minutes before the break.
Despite conceding late in the opening period, the university side showed commendable resilience and tactical discipline to turn the momentum in their favour after the restart.
Coach Boubacar Mané’s players returned from the dressing room with renewed intensity and purpose.
Their efforts eventually paid off when Mansour Gaye found the equaliser in the 73rd minute, calmly converting after a well-worked team move.
The goal injected fresh energy into the visitors, who began to dominate possession and push for a potential winner.
In the final stages, DUC created several promising chances, coming agonisingly close to completing their comeback.
However, a lack of clinical finishing in front of goal denied them what could have been a statement victory on the road.
The match ended level, leaving both sides with a share of the spoils after a spirited contest.
While the result may not have been the perfect start DUC hoped for, it demonstrated the team’s ability to recover from adversity and compete strongly away from home.
Their fighting spirit, particularly in the second half, highlighted a squad capable of challenging more established sides in the division.
⏸️ Match nul
AS Bambey 1-1 DUC🟡⚫ ALLEZ DUC !#DUC #UCAD #COUD #LSFP #Ligue2SN pic.twitter.com/CUhZaWkQq3
— DUC – Dakar Université Club (@ducfoot) November 2, 2025
Coach Mané is likely to take encouragement from his team’s composure and resilience, especially given the difficult conditions and the pressure of opening day.
Mansour Gaye’s equaliser, combined with the overall cohesion of the midfield, underlined the collective effort that earned the point.
For AS Bambey, frustration will linger after letting their lead slip despite a strong first-half performance.
Their inability to maintain control in the latter stages cost them the chance to begin the season with a win.
The result gives DUC a solid foundation as they continue their early-season run on the road.
They will next face Etoile Lusitana in their second consecutive away fixture, seeking to build on this encouraging start and turn their promising play into three points.
