Congo DR Vs Benin Highlights, AFCON 2025: Bongonda's Solitary Goal Settles Contest For COD Against BNI

Hello and welcome to our live coverage for Congo DR vs Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The Group D clash is underway at Al-Barid Stadium in Rabat, where the Leopards of DR Congo, coming in with solid recent form and confidence, face a determined Benin side looking to upset the odds in their AFCON return.

• Location: Rabat, Morocco

• Stadium: Al Medina Stadium

• Date: Tuesday, December 23

• Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM IST

• Overall Record: 2

• Congo DR Wins: 1

• Benin Wins: 0

• Draws: 1

DR Congo have taken the lead T. Bongonda with Sunderland defender Arthur Masuaku providing the assist.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 16'

Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are in the starting line-up for COD against BNI. Moreover, Sunderland's Sadiki is also starting.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 22'

Bongonda was unmarked in the penalty area as the forward takes a shot with his left-foot but is unable to hit the target as it goes wide.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 28'

Benin cannot come out of their half as COD dominate possession. One way traffic.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 32'

Strangely, it's BNI who are enjoying the bulk of the possession with HT approaching. BNI have 65% possession, however still trail in the game.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 38'

Good pressure in the final five mins of the 1st half by Benin as they look to sneak in an equaliser. COD defending well but pressure still there.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 41'

Hassane does a nice trick near the edge of the penalty area and outwits two COD defenders but his shot goes over the bar, to the player's frustrations.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 44'

And that's that. Congo DR go into the break with a 1-0 lead over Benin.

Second-half about to kick-off as players come out from the tunnel.

2-0!! Cedric Bakambu has doubled the lead for the Leopards with a thumping header. A great cross in from the left and the Real Betis forward makes no mistake to put it past the BNI goalie.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 47'

Oh wait! VAR intervenes and it seems someone is offside. Yes, the referee blows the whistle and the score stays 1-0!

With the score still 1-0, Benin still not out of this and could give a surprise to Congo DR. The Leopards are well on top with the chances created but lack of cutting edge is proving their downfall.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 55'

Too many tackles flying in and the players are now going down on the floor, trying to slow the game down. Boring tactic but sensible one for teams in the lead.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 61'

Sunderland AFC player Noah Sadiki commits a foul, to the dismay of the player. Free-kick range area but remains to be seen whether Benin take advantage of it.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 66'

Benin still trailing and with 10 minutes plus stoppages remaining, they need to act quick or the match result will be out of their hands.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 80'

1-0 scorelines are always tricky and with Benin having chances after chances, remains to be seen if there's any drama left in this contest.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 86'

Wow, we will have 10 mins of stoppages. And just as we type, Tosin misses a chance to equalise for Benin.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 90+1'

Congo look to slow the game down, with some play-acting and passing it the back. Benin are desperate for a goal here but are unable to get past the COD defence.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin 90+7'

Full-time whistle goes as Congo DR secure a hard-fought victory over Benin.

Congo DR 1-0 Benin