DR Congo clinch narrow victory over Benin in 2025 AFCON opener

The decisive moment came through Theo Bongonda, who scored the only goal of a contest that struggled for overall quality. The goal stemmed from poor defending by Benin, as Arthur Masuaku launched a long ball forward which the Benin back line failed to deal with.

Rather than clearing their lines, the defenders allowed the ball to bounce, giving Bongonda the opportunity to pounce and fire a composed left-footed finish past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe.

DR Congo began the match on the front foot, dominating possession during the opening 15 minutes and looking the more assured side in early exchanges.

However, they later lost control in midfield, allowing Benin to compete more effectively, even if clear-cut chances remained scarce.

Benin's best opportunities of the first half fell to Doku Dodo. The forward headed one chance wide and later blazed another effort over the crossbar, failing to make the most of promising situations. Despite these moments, DR Congo continued to pose the greater attacking threat.

Cedric Bakambu was heavily involved but endured a frustrating evening. A last-ditch block denied him after 28 minutes, and early in the second half he saw a headed goal disallowed following a VAR review, with Nathanael Mbuku ruled offside in the build-up.

Bakambu later missed again, Allagbe saving his low shot with 20 minutes remaining.

Benin pushed forward late on, creating nervous moments at the back, but DR Congo held firm. Goalkeeper Lionel M'Pasi N'Zau made a crucial save to deny Aiyegun Tosin, preserving a narrow but valuable opening victory.