Sat Dec 27 14:10:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Senegal and DR Congo Clash for Knockout Stage Berth in AFCON Group D

Tanger, Morocco – Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) are set to face off at the Grand Stade de Tanger on December 27th in a highly anticipated Group D fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams are coming off victories in their opening matches and will be eager to secure another win, guaranteeing their spot in the knockout stage of the tournament.

Senegal, fresh off a dominant 3-0 win over Botswana, boasts an impressive record against DR Congo, remaining undefeated in their last eight encounters. DR Congo, who edged out Benin 1-0 in their opener, will be looking to break that streak and replicate their historic 1968 AFCON victory where they defeated Senegal en route to claiming the title.

Historical Context:

The upcoming match marks the third AFCON meeting between the two nations. In their first encounter at the 1968 AFCON, DR Congo emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. However, Senegal avenged that defeat in the 2002 quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory, spearheaded by goals from Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf.

Recent Form and Key Stats:

Senegal’s recent form has been particularly strong, highlighted by their impressive attacking display against Botswana, where they registered a tournament-high 17 shots on target. Nicolas Jackson has been in fine form, scoring six goals in his last five starts for Senegal.

DR Congo, on the other hand, will be aiming to break their winless streak in the second group match, which stretches back to 1996. The team’s recent goals have been scored by players over 30, highlighting the experience within their squad.

World Cup Qualifying Encounters:

The two teams recently clashed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Senegal winning 3-2 September this year, previously settling for a 1-1 draw in June.

Match Details:

The highly anticipated match between Senegal and DR Congo kicks off at 16h00 local time (15h00 GMT) on December 27th at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Football fans across the continent and beyond will be eagerly watching as these two powerhouses battle for a crucial victory and a place in the AFCON knockout stage.

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