D.R Congo talisman Théo Bongonda has been adjudged Man of the Match after leading DR Congo to victory against Benin in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bongonda started the encounter on Tuesday afternoon and netted the winning goal with a smart finish in the first half.
Benin, to their credit, fought valiantly to get back into the game but found it challenging to break down a resolute Congo DR defense. Despite creating a few promising opportunities, Benin was unable to find the back of the net, as Congo DR held firm to protect their lead.
As the match progressed, Congo DR showed composure and resilience to maintain their slender advantage and see out the game. Their defensive organisation and tactical discipline frustrated Benin’s attempts to level the score, ensuring that Congo DR claimed all three points in their opening fixture of the tournament.
Théo Bongonda’s early strike proved to be the decisive moment in a closely contested encounter, highlighting the importance of clinical finishing in high-stakes matches.
For his impressive performance, he has been named Man of the Match.
