DR Congo dig deep to edge Benin in tense AFCON Opener

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

DR Congo national football team edged past Benin national football team 1–0 on Tuesday to open their campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations, grinding out a hard-fought victory that underlined their defensive resilience and attacking discipline.

Theo Bongonda proved decisive in a tense Group A encounter, finishing clinically in the 16th minute after Arthur Masuaku delivered a perfectly weighted lofted cross from the left.

Bongonda’s sharp movement inside the box wrong-footed the Benin defence, allowing him to slot past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé and give the Leopards a lead they would defend with determination.

Benin responded with greater possession and intent, circulating the ball confidently through midfield and creating several half-chances before the break.

Aiyegun Tosin and Hassane Imourane both tested DR Congo’s back line with long-range efforts, while Doukou Dodo went close with a header that drifted narrowly wide, signalling the West Africans’ growing threat.

The second half brought added drama when DR Congo thought they had doubled their advantage. Cedric Bakambu headed home from close range after a fine delivery by Nathanael Mbuku, only for the Video Assistant Referee to rule the goal out for offside, keeping Benin firmly in contention.

That decision energised Benin, who pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Substitute Romaric Amoussou injected urgency from midfield, while Tamimou Ouorou twice tried his luck from distance.

However, DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau remained alert, producing key saves and commanding his area under sustained pressure.

Despite Benin’s late surge, including a flurry of corners and shots in the closing stages, DR Congo held their nerve through ten minutes of added time. Tactical substitutions by coach Sébastien Desabre helped stem the pressure as the Congolese side closed ranks to secure all three points.

The win gives DR Congo an important early boost in a tightly contested group, while Benin will rue missed opportunities but can take encouragement from their performance ahead of their next fixture.