Senegal secured top spot in Group D at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin at the Grand Stade de Tanger, a result that also allowed them to avoid a Round of 16 showdown with Algeria.
The Lions of Teranga finished the group stage with seven points, edging the Democratic Republic of Congo on goal difference after both sides recorded comfortable wins on the final matchday.
Senegal’s goals against Benin came through Abdoulaye Seck in the 38th minute, Habib Diallo in the 62nd minute and Cherif Ndiaye, who sealed the result deep into stoppage time from the penalty spot.
By finishing first in the group, Senegal have been paired with the third-placed team from Group E, with Burkina Faso or Sudan set to be their opponents when the knockout phase begins next Saturday in Tangier.
DR Congo, who also ended the group stage on seven points after defeating Botswana 3-0, will instead face Group E winners Algeria in Rabat next Tuesday.
Benin, despite the defeat, had already secured qualification to the Round of 16 due to earlier results across the groups. Their third-place finish in Group D has set up a meeting with Egypt, the winners of Group B, in a knockout fixture scheduled for next Monday in Agadir.
