Mane versus Mbemba: A thrilling AFCON encounter in Morocco
The standout feature of Group D at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is expected to be the clash between the two past winners, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Just two months back they faced off in a World Cup qualifier where the Senegalese side rallied from two goals down to secure a 3-2 win thanks to a strike from Pape Matar Sarr.
That success ensured Senegal earned a spot in their third consecutive World Cup whereas DR Congo will take on either Jamaica or New Caledonia in March with a chance to reach the international tournament at stake.
As DR Congo aims to make up for the defeat in Kinshasa, conditions are ideal for an exciting appearance on December 27 in Tangier featuring Senegal forward Sadio Mane and DR Congo defender Chancel Mbemba.
Mane might not be as prominent in the headlines since moving from Liverpool and Bayern Munich to the Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr two years prior.
Yet last month in Turkey he demonstrated his sharp finishing skills by netting a hat trick as Senegal overwhelmed Kenya 8-0 in a pre tournament friendly.
Mane has previously reached the pinnacle of African football, slotting home the winning penalty to hand the Teranga Lions a shootout triumph over Egypt in the 2022 final in Yaounde.
Three years before that, Mane appeared in yet another AFCON final. Still he could only claim a runners up medal since an early strike from Algeria stood as the sole goal in the Cairo showdown.
Senegal underperformed in the latest AFCON, held early last year in the Ivory Coast. Despite topping their group with three victories they fell to the hosts on penalties in the round of 16.
The veteran manager Aliou Cisse saw his deal expire without extension and ex national team player Pape Thiaw has emerged as a capable successor.
Key performances
A recent friendly defeat against the five time World Cup holders Brazil last month marked his initial loss following ten wins and two draws. Beating Kenya three days afterwards increased his successful outings.
Mbemba lately marked his 100th cap for his nation with vital efforts as DR Congo pursues a World Cup return unseen since 1974.
In the African playoffs involving top group runners up, Mbemba grabbed the late winner that defeated Cameroon 1-0 in a semi final in Morocco.
Once the final versus Nigeria ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat, it went to penalties and the decisive kick that decided the outcome was confidently taken by Mbemba.
The 31 year olds playing days started in Belgium at Anderlecht. He later moved to Newcastle United, Porto and Marseille prior to signing with Lille.
Meanwhile the 33 year old Mane seeks to boost his 51 goals tally for Senegal, but Mbemba is set on containing the double African player of the year recipient.
A significant portion of DR Congos revival is attributed to French tactician Sebastien Desabre, a 49 year old whose debut African role was with Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas.
He subsequently managed teams in Cameroon, Tunisia, Angola, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt, and led Uganda for two years, guiding them to their first AFCON in 41 years.
Our primary goal is to advance from Group D. Benin, Botswana and Senegal form tough opposition. It will be challenging, Desabre shared with Congolese press.
Reaching the World Cup intercontinental playoffs by overcoming Cameroon and Nigeria shows our growth.
I foresee a promising path for the Leopards if we keep developing. Ousting Nigeria was remarkable, yet that achievement belongs to the past.
Benin has displayed steady progress under German handler Gernot Rohr, who earlier guided Gabon, Niger and Nigeria at AFCON tournaments. They will be led by experienced forward Steve Mounie.
Under South African coach Morena Ramoreboli, Botswana holds the lowest seeding among the 24 entrants. They suffered defeats in all three games during their AFCON bow 13 years ago and would benefit from steering clear of a repeat.
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