DR Congo-Benin :Leopards Uphold Fine Form

The Democratic Republic of Congo launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D campaign with a gritty 1-0 triumph over Benin at Rabat's Al Medina Stadium yesterday, December 23, 2025, extending their red-hot streak from September's World Cup African playoffs. There, they toppled Cameroon and Nigeria to claim Africa's intercontinental playoff berth.
Théo Bongonda starred early, rifling in the winner at the 16th minute to spark wild celebrations. The defence of Benin’s team should carry the entire blame as they stood so indifferent to the presence of Bongonda in the penalty area, added to the wrong communication with their goalkeeper.  However, defending this slim lead tested the Leopards relentlessly as Benin battled fiercely to the final whistle. Just after halftime, Cédric Bakambu thought he had doubled the advantage at the 47th, only for VAR to disallow it for an offside position. 
Both sides surged forward in ...