Match report

Congo DR Defeats Benin 1-0 in Africa Cup of Nations Clash

Congo DR
Congo DR
1–0
FT
Benin
Benin
Dec 23, 2025

Congo DR edged out Benin 1-0 in a tightly contested Africa Cup of Nations fixture. T. Bongonda netted the game's lone goal in the 16th minute, giving Congo DR the lead they would not relinquish. Despite efforts from both sides, Congo DR managed to hold on for the win, with key substitutions and defensive resilience playing crucial roles.

Key Facts

  • • T. Bongonda scored the only goal at minute 16, assisted by A. Masuaku
  • • Congo DR received three yellow cards (S. Moutoussamy, E. Kayembe, C. Bakambu)
  • • Benin received two yellow cards (J. Dossou, R. Amoussou)
  • • Congo DR made five substitutions (E. Kayembe, Ngal'ayel Mukau, J. Kayembe, M. Elia, F. Mayele, B. Cipenga)
  • • Benin made three substitutions (R. Amoussou, A. Samadou, O. Tessilimi)

Lineups

Congo DR

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Starting XI

  • 1 L. Mpasi-Nzau (G)
  • 2 A. Wan-Bissaka (D)
  • 22 C. Mbemba (D)
  • 4 A. Tuanzebe (D)
  • 26 A. Masuaku (D)
  • 8 S. Moutoussamy (M)
  • 10 T. Bongonda (M)
  • 25 E. Kayembe (M)
  • 14 N. Sadiki (M)
  • 7 N. Mbuku (M)
  • 17 C. Bakambu (F)

Substitutes

  • 21 M. Epolo
  • 16 T. Fayulu
  • 5 D. Batubinsika
  • 15 R. Bushiri
  • 24 G. Kalulu
  • 3 S. Kapuadi
  • 12 J. Kayembe
  • 11 G. Kakuta
  • 18 C. Pickel
  • 6 N. Mukau
  • 13 M. Elia
  • 9 S. Essende
  • 19 F. Mayele
  • 20 B. Cipenga
  • 27 M. Balikwisha

Benin

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 16 S. Allagbe (G)
  • 11 A. Moumini (D)
  • 6 O. Verdon (D)
  • 5 Y. Roche (D)
  • 3 T. Ouorou (D)
  • 15 S. D'Almeida (M)
  • 8 H. Imourane (M)
  • 17 R. Aloko (M)
  • 19 D. Dodo (M)
  • 20 J. Dossou (M)
  • 10 A. Tosin (F)

Substitutes

  • 2 R. Fassinou
  • 7 M. Ahlinvi
  • 12 D. Kiki
  • 14 M. Ahouangbo
  • 21 R. Kossi
  • 22 R. Amoussou
  • 24 R. Rachidou
  • 25 O. Tessilimi
  • 23 A. Obassa
  • 26 C. Azongnitode
  • 27 G. Ahoudo
  • 4 A. Samadou
  • 28 A. Akimey

Timeline

  1. Congo DR
    16' Congo DR Goal · Normal Goal
    T. Bongonda · Assist: A. Masuaku
  2. Congo DR
    20' Congo DR Card · Yellow Card
    S. Moutoussamy

    Foul

  3. Congo DR
    36' Congo DR Card · Yellow Card
    E. Kayembe

    Foul

  4. Congo DR
    51' Congo DR Var · Goal cancelled
    C. Bakambu
  5. Benin
    52' Benin Card · Yellow Card
    J. Dossou

    Foul

  6. Congo DR
    55' Congo DR subst · Substitution 1
    Off: E. Kayembe · On: Ngal'ayel Mukau
  7. Benin
    63' Benin subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. Dossou · On: R. Amoussou
  8. Congo DR
    64' Congo DR Card · Yellow Card
    C. Bakambu

    Foul

  9. Congo DR
    68' Congo DR subst · Substitution 2
    Off: A. Masuaku · On: J. Kayembe
  10. Congo DR
    68' Congo DR subst · Substitution 3
    Off: T. Bongonda · On: M. Elia
  11. Benin
    72' Benin Card · Yellow Card
    R. Amoussou

    Foul

  12. Benin
    77' Benin Card · Yellow Card
    Abdoul Rachid Moumini

    Foul

  13. Benin
    82' Benin subst · Substitution 2
    Off: S. D'Almeida · On: A. Samadou
  14. Congo DR
    85' Congo DR subst · Substitution 4
    Off: C. Bakambu · On: F. Mayele
  15. Congo DR
    85' Congo DR subst · Substitution 5
    Off: N. Mbuku · On: B. Cipenga
  16. Benin
    90'+1 Benin subst · Substitution 3
    Off: A. Tosin · On: O. Tessilimi

Match Stats

Stat Congo DR Benin
Fouls 16 11
Pass Accuracy 74% 84%
Offsides 1 0
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 11 12
Corners 5 5
Total Passes 301 453
Yellow Cards 3 3
Blocked Shots 3 0
Shots on Target 3 2
xG — —
Shots off Target 5 10
Possession 40% 60%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 224 380
Shots Inside Box 6 5
Saves 2 2
Shots Outside Box 5 7

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ The goal by T. Bongonda in the 16th minute set the tone for the match, giving Congo DR a critical early lead.
  • ▸ Congo DR's defensive adjustments and substitutions in the second half, including the introduction of Ngal'ayel Mukau and F. Mayele, helped solidify their advantage and secure the win.