Senegal’s pivotal trip to Kinshasa in September to face DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers could prove decisive in Group B, with former international Souleymane Diawara warning that mentality, not just talent, will decide the outcome.
Currently one of the tightest groups in the African qualifiers, Group B sees DR Congo at the summit with 13 points, closely followed by Senegal and Sudan, both on 12.
With only the group winner earning direct qualification, the margins for error are razor-thin.
Senegal will first play host to Sudan before heading to Kinshasa for a clash that could determine who takes control of the group.
Speaking ahead of the double-header, Diawara acknowledged the stakes. “I hope Senegal wins. Even if it will be very difficult, because Congo, it’s true, has been showing some very good things for some time. They have a competitive team, so it will be a very important match for both teams. But especially for Senegal, because if we win, we will overtake Congo. Unfortunately, if we get a bad result, it will become very complicated. So it will be a crucial match, but I really hope Senegal will win,” said the former Marseille defender.
Senegal’s task will be anything but straightforward.
DR Congo arrive in top form, having defeated Mauritania 2-0 and South Sudan 1-0 in March to leapfrog their rivals.
Those results have bolstered the Congolese squad’s confidence ahead of the upcoming showdown in a packed Stade des Martyrs, where a fierce atmosphere is expected.
Despite Senegal’s quality and pedigree, Diawara was quick to emphasise that the key to victory lies beyond tactical setups or technical superiority.
For him, it all comes down to character and determination.
“There’s no real magic ingredient. I think it’s whoever wants it the most who will make the difference. At this level of competition, it’s mostly mental strength that counts. Of course, there are details to sort out internally, but on the pitch, it will be a question of determination. Whoever has the most desire to win will prevail,” he explained.
With the September fixtures likely to shape the trajectory of qualification for both nations, fans are bracing for a contest charged with intensity.
For Senegal, anything short of victory in Kinshasa may leave their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.
For DR Congo, defending their home turf could move them one giant step closer to the global stage.
