Senegal Leads AFCON Group Over DR Congo While Tanzania Achieves Milestone
Senegal progressed to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout rounds as group leaders on Tuesday, setting up DR Congo with a tough matchup against Algeria, as Tanzania qualified for the last 16 for the first time ever.
The 2022 African champions Senegal beat Benin 3-0 in Tangier to finish top of Group D on goal difference, edging out the Leopards, who secured a similar 3-0 victory over Botswana in Rabat.
Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo netted around the break for the Lions of Teranga, prior to captain Kalidou Koulibaly receiving a red card. Cherif Ndiaye sealed the win with a late penalty in added time.
Former Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta, currently playing in Turkey, excelled with two goals and an assist, helping DR Congo dispatch the already out Botswana at Al Medina Stadium in Morocco's capital.
His clever backheel assisted Nathanael Mbuku for the initial strike, followed by Kakuta slotting home a penalty towards the end of the opening period.
Kakuta added his brace and the team's third goal on the hour, with the Leopards having a potential fourth by Fiston Mayele disallowed by VAR due to handball.
There was a moment when Senegal and DR Congo appeared headed for matching records at the group conclusion, which could have led to a lottery for positions.
Ultimately, both ended with seven points from three fixtures, Senegal prevailing by a mere two-goal margin.
Pape Thiaw's side now enjoys an easier path, staying in Tangier for a last-16 clash on Saturday versus the Group E third-placer, either Burkina Faso or Sudan.
The Leopards face a sterner test against 2019 winners Algeria the following Tuesday, with the victor possibly meeting Nigeria in the last eight.
"We aimed for a fourth goal to potentially trigger a draw and to net as many as possible to claim the top spot," remarked DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre.
"It did not happen, yet I am not let down, rather proud. We met our goal of advancing to the last 16."
Benin's three points suffice for progression as one of the top third-placed sides.
This marks only their second knockout appearance at AFCON, earning them a matchup with Mohamed Salah's Egypt on Monday.
Nigeria Maintains Flawless Run
Tanzania etched their name in history by advancing from their group after 45 years since their debut, thanks to a 1-1 stalemate with Tunisia in Rabat.
Ismael Gharbi tucked away a spot-kick just before the interval for Tunisia, with Feisal Salum equalising shortly after the restart.
Tanzania remain winless in 12 outings across four tournaments. They edged into the round of 16 via two draws and a defeat.
Tunisia took second in Group C on four points, trailing leaders Nigeria by five. Tanzania overtook Angola on goals scored for one of the four third-place berths.
Raphael Onyedika bagged a double as qualified Nigeria triumphed 3-1 over 10-man Uganda in the other Group C encounter, preserving their perfect group record.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring midway through the first half in Fes, and Uganda were hit hard on 56 minutes when replacement keeper Salim Magoola was dismissed for handling outside the box.
Onyedika then notched his pair, before Rogers Mato pulled one back for Uganda, who exit the competition.
Tanzania confronts a formidable challenge against hosts and favourites Morocco in Rabat on Sunday, a day before Tunisia meets Mali.
Nigeria faces Group F's third-placed team, likely Mozambique, on Monday in Fes.
"Preparation time was limited, but we collaborated with the federation," noted Tanzania's recently appointed coach Miguel Gamondi, originally from Argentina.
"I am immensely proud, not only for myself but for the nation. Qualifying is a huge boost for Tanzania.
"This achievement should inspire these players and the upcoming generation about Tanzanian football's promise."