Senegal talisman Sadio Mane scored his first goal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday afternoon when the Teranga Lions roared to come from behind to draw 1-1 with D.R Congo.
The result leaves Group D wide open, with everything to decide on the final day.
The opening half ended without goals, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tense and tactical contest.
The game burst into life after the restart, and it was DR Congo who struck first through Cédric Bakambu. The experienced forward reacted quickest to a rebound from Theo Bongonda and took advantage of a brief lapse by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to fire the Leopards ahead in the 61st minute.
Just eight minutes later, Mané brought Senegal level with a well-taken finish, drawing on his vast experience to steady his side. The goal was his first of the tournament and his tenth overall at the Africa Cup of Nations, achieved in his sixth appearance at the competition.
End-to-end football, end-to-end emotions. Ft. Sadio Mané & Bakambu#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/a3Z9jdoBs6
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 27, 2025
The remainder of the match saw Senegal assert control, dominating possession and creating several dangerous openings that could have tilted the contest in their favour. Despite their pressure, DR Congo held firm to secure a valuable point.
The draw highlighted the resilience of the Lions of Teranga and ensured that Group D remains wide open, with qualification to be decided on the final day.
