Congo narrowly missed a historic victory over reigning champions Senegal in a tense Group D clash that ended 1-1 on Tuesday, leaving both teams in contention for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. The match, marked by shifting momentum and tactical adjustments, underscored the unpredictability of tournament football.
Under coach Barthélémy Ngatsono, Congo defied expectations from the outset, pressuring Senegal with disciplined defending and rapid transitions. Forward Dechan Moussavou broke the deadlock in the first half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to send his team into halftime with a lead. “We stood up to the African champions,” Ngatsono said post-match, acknowledging pride in his squad’s performance despite the late equalizer.
Senegal’s coach Souleymane Diallo responded with five substitutions after the break, revitalizing his side’s attack. The tactical shift paid dividends as the Teranga Lions dominated possession and pinned Congo deeper. Joseph Layousse’s 82nd-minute strike salvaged a critical point for Senegal, exposing vulnerabilities in Congo’s reshuffled defense following the forced substitution of key defender Japhet. “Our bench made the difference,” Diallo emphasized, praising substitutes for injecting stability during the comeback.
The result intensified an already competitive group. Later on Tuesday, Sudan’s surprise 1-0 win over Nigeria propelled them to the top of Group D on goal difference, tied with Senegal at four points. Congo remains third with two points, while Nigeria languishes at the bottom with one.
Ngatsono expressed cautious optimism about his team’s prospects: “This draw keeps us alive. We’re still aiming for the quarter-finals.” With Senegal relying on championship experience and Congo demonstrating resilience, the group stage promises further drama. As underdogs continue to challenge favorites, the path to knockout rounds remains wide open.
