AFCON Roundup: Senegal roll, DR Congo edge Benin and more
AFCON is in full swing in Morocco with four matches having taken place today -- catch up on the day's results as we round up all of the action from AFCON Groups C & D.
DR Congo 1-0 Benin
DR Congo opened the day's action in Group D with a hard-fought win over Benin. With Chancel Mbemba of LOSC leading the defence and Le Havre's Lionel Mpasi in goal, the Leopards turned in a sterling defensive performance, denying Benin at every turn despite their opponents' having more possession (62%) and more shots (11 to 10). For Benin, FC Lorient striker Tosin Aiyegun was in the eleven, while Mbemba's Lille teammate Ngal'Ayel Mukau came off the bench to help seal the result.
Key moments from @mbemba22's season as he gears up for AFCON 🇨🇩🏆 pic.twitter.com/X1UpTUeyHt
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 23, 2025
Senegal 3-0 Botswana
The Lions of Teranga are one of the favorites for the tournament, and they kicked off their campaign in style against and overmatched Botswana team with a brace by Nicolas Jackson. No less than five Ligue 1 McDonald's took the pitch for Pape Thiaw's side, with Krépin Diatta (AS Monaco) and Moussa Niakhaté (Olympique Lyonnais) both in the eleven, and Lamine Camara (Monaco), Cheikh Sabaly (Metz) coming off the bench, alongside the record-setting Ibrahim Mbaye. The PSG winger became, at 17, the youngest-ever player to feature for Senegal at AFCON.
Ibrahim Mbaye: Senegal’s youngest-ever AFCON player 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/4eshdPUg6f
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 23, 2025
Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
In Group C, Paris FC winger Moses Simon came off the bench as the Super Eagles beat Tanzania 2-1, with Le Havre striker Mbwana Samatta leading the line for the Taifa Stars. FC Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem didn't feature for Nigeria, who remain unbeaten in competitive matches in the calendar year.
Tunisia 3-1 Uganda
Finally, in Group C, Tunisia impressed from start to finish in a 3-1 win. Two Ligue 1 McDonald's players featured from the off, with Montassar Talbi (FC Lorient) impressing in central defence and OGC Nice defender Ali Abdi picking up an assist from left back.
