The DR Congo women’s national team endured a chastening start to their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, falling to a heavy 4-0 defeat against Senegal at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Sunday.
Within a blistering opening 45 minutes, the Lionesses of Teranga asserted their dominance with a clinical display led by the attacking partnership of Mama Diop and Nguera Ndiaye.
The duo struck with ruthless precision, finding the net in the 5th, 14th, 23rd, and 41st minutes to leave the Leopards stunned before the half-time whistle.
DR Congo, visibly disorganised and overwhelmed in the opening stages, struggled to build any structure or momentum as Senegal controlled possession and dictated the pace.
Captain Fideline Ngoyi and coach Hervé Happy appeared bereft of solutions, as their team failed to respond to the early onslaught.
After the break, the Congolese side emerged with renewed determination.
A more aggressive approach saw them create opportunities and test the Senegalese defence for the first time in the match.
Naomie Kaba Kaba led the charge with back-to-back attempts, including a strike against the post and a curling shot denied by goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.
Their brightest spell arrived around the hour mark. Vukulu forced a corner with a low-driven shot, and from the ensuing set-piece, Marlène Kasaj’s delivery found Flavine Mawete at the far post.
Her header seemed destined to reduce the deficit, only for Ndiaye to pull off a fine save.
Moments later, Kaba Kaba again came close, only to see her effort cleared off the line.
Despite a brief resurgence, Senegal weathered the storm and quickly regained control, suppressing DR Congo’s momentum.
The Gaindés capitalised on second balls, disrupting any rhythm their opponents tried to build.
The match threatened to worsen for the Leopards, but captain Ngoyi produced a key goal-line clearance to prevent a fifth goal and salvage some defensive pride in an otherwise difficult evening.
With Morocco next on the schedule for DR Congo on Wednesday, July 9 at 20:00, the stakes could not be higher.
Rooted to the bottom of Group A with a goal difference of -4, the Congolese must regroup and deliver a vastly improved performance against the hosts if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
