Senegal edges RD Congo 3-2 from 2-0 down, Mane’s side moves top of AFCON Group D after stunning comeback

Senegal edges RD Congo 3-2 in a thrilling AFCON Group D clash. The Lions of Teranga staged a spectacular second-half comeback after falling behind 2-0. Mane’s side now moves top of the group with a perfect record.

Senegal’s Dramatic Comeback Stuns DR Congo

Playing at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Morocco, Senegal delivered one of AFCON 2025’s most memorable performances. The Lions trailed 0-2 after thirty-three minutes. Yet the second-half transformation proved decisive and unexpected.

Cédric Bakambu opened the scoring for the Leopards in the 26th minute. Yoane Wissa doubled the advantage just seven minutes later. Control seemed to belong entirely to DR Congo at that point.

Everything changed when Pape Gueye struck in the 39th minute to reduce the deficit. The momentum shifted completely. Senegal emerged with renewed intensity in the second half.

Jackson’s Magic Sparks the Turnaround

Nicolas Jackson leveled the match in the 53rd minute with a composed finish. The Chelsea striker’s goal electrified his teammates. The turning point had arrived definitively.

Team	Final Score
Senegal	3
DR Congo	2

Senegal continued their assault on the DR Congo goal. The Leopards’ defense began to crack under sustained pressure. Pape Matar Sarr sealed the victory with a late goal in the 87th minute.

Mane Leads Lions to Perfect Start

Sadio Mane captained Senegal brilliantly throughout the encounter. His leadership proved instrumental in rallying the squad when circumstances seemed dire. The veteran striker’s influence cannot be overstated.

Senegal now boasts a perfect record at AFCON 2025. Victory over Botswana (3-0) followed by this comeback triumph places them firmly in command. Qualification for the knockout stages appears assured.

Coach Pape Thiaw‘s tactical adjustments at the interval transformed the match completely. His decision-making ensured Senegal seized control where they had previously struggled.

Group D Standings Shift in Senegal’s Favor

Senegal’s dominance in Group D cannot be questioned now. The Lions sit atop the standings with two wins from two matches. DR Congo remains competitive but faces pressure from other contenders.

Botswana and Benin complete the group. Both teams showed promise in their opening fixtures. Competition remains fierce for the two qualifying spots available.

The next round of fixtures will determine advancement to the Round of 16. Senegal appears ideally positioned. Their momentum heading forward seems unstoppable after this dramatic comeback victory.

What Does This Victory Mean for Senegal’s Tournament Ambitions?

This performance revealed Senegal’s championship credentials emphatically. Comebacks from two-goal deficits do not happen often at this level of competition. Jackson’s clinical finishing and Gueye’s midfield control proved vital throughout.

“Senegal’s resilience and quality shone through despite an uncertain first half performance.”

— CAF Official Match Report, AFCON 2025

The Lions have time to prepare for their next challenge. Resting key players while maintaining winning momentum will prove essential. AFCON history shows that early momentum transitions into tournament success.

Sources

• CAF Online – Official match statistics and official tournament records
• BBC Sport – Match reporting and detailed play-by-play coverage
• ESPN Soccer – Live match updates and comprehensive analysis