Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Senegal-Democratic Republic of Congo, likely lineups

The Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier hosts one of Saturday’s matches in the African Cup of Nations, the 4 p.m. match between Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both veterans of a winning debut, the two national teams arrive at this fixture with a chance to peel off their pass to the round of 16 with a day to spare.

Senegal comes with the weight of ambition and recent tradition. The 3-0 victory over Botswana confirmed the offensive strength of the Lions of the Teranga: Jackson, already the tournament’s top scorer, leads a talent-rich department with Mané and Ismaila Sarr, while Koulibaly and Gueye provide balance and experience. Head coach Pape Thiaw rejoins Diouf after his disqualification and can count on a full squad determined to secure first place in the group.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is in turn on the strength of the 1-0 win over Benin and a string of useful results that testify to the growth of Sebastien Desabre’s team. The Leopards have built their identity on defensive compactness, with Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka and Tuanzebe leading a unit that has conceded only one goal in the last six matches. Bongonda, Bakambu and Mbuku represent the offensive weapons to strike on the restart.

Probable lineups

Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Ndiaye; Mané, I. Sarr, Jackson. C.t. Thiaw.

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Democratic Republic of Congo (4-3-3): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Bongonda, Mbuku, Bakambu. C.t. Desabre.

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