Senegal came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against a resilient Democratic Republic of Congo, extending the Lions of Teranga’s unbeaten streak to eight games out of their last nine.

Following a commanding win on matchday one, Senegal dominated early, registering nine attempts on goal before halftime. However, poor finishing kept the score level. Sadio Mane came closest with a curling free-kick that wrong-footed DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi but drifted just wide, while Pape Gueye’s long-range effort was comfortably saved. DR Congo briefly thought they had taken the lead when Aaron Wan-Bissaka scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The breakthrough eventually came early in the second half—but for the visitors. Cedric Bakambu capitalized on a sloppy save from Edouard Mendy to slot home and give the Leopards the lead. Senegal responded almost immediately, with Mane tapping in from close range to open his tournament account and restore parity.

After Mane’s equalizer, Senegal looked the more likely to claim all three points, but chances became scarce, and the match ended in a stalemate. The draw extends Senegal’s unbeaten head-to-head record against DR Congo to ten games and keeps them top of the group on goal difference ahead of the crucial third matchday.