The sporting event which pitted the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo against the Lions of Teranga of Senegal as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers kept football fans in suspense. This match played in Dakar ended with a draw of 1-1, highlighting the fighting spirit and determination of the Congolese players against a formidable Senegalese team.
From the kick-off, the Congolese Fauves had to face intense pressure from their opponents who were playing on their field. Despite this, they were able to remain united and focused to counter the attacks of the Lions of Teranga. It was in stoppage time in the first period that Senegal opened the scoring, thus putting pressure on the Congolese.
However, in the second half, the DRC players showed a completely different face. Under the leadership of their coach Sébastien Desabre, they were able to find the necessary resources to get back into the match. The tactical changes made, notably the entry of Edo Kayembe and Fiston Mayele, made it possible to energize the team’s play and put the Senegalese defense in difficulty. It was finally Fiston Mayele who equalized five minutes from time, thus giving his team a valuable point.
At the end of the meeting, Sébastien Desabre was satisfied with the result obtained. He underlined the solidity of his defense and the combativeness of his players against a strong opponent. This away draw represents an encouraging performance for the Leopards, and constitutes a good point taken against the group favorite.
This result suggests good prospects for the rest of the qualifiers. Congolese players will be able to capitalize on this performance to approach the next matches with confidence. The appointment has already been made in Kinshasa for the reception of the Togo Sparrowhawks, an opportunity to confirm their progress and continue their momentum.
In short, this match between the DRC and Senegal was the scene of an intense and contested encounter, demonstrating the quality and talent of both teams. The Leopards can be proud of their performance and this precious point obtained away from home, a sign of a team making progress and determined to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.