AFCON 2025: Theo Bongonda on Target as DR Congo Down Benin in Group D Clash

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 23 December 2025 - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign with a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory over Benin in their Group D opener at the Al Medina Stadium.

The decisive moment arrived early in the 16th minute when Theo Bongonda capitalised on a defensive miscommunication in the Benin back line to give the Leopards the lead.

Bongonda, who plays his club football for Spartak Moscow, reacted quickly to a long forward pass and fired a composed left-footed finish beyond Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé, sparking celebrations among DRC supporters.

The Leopards controlled large periods of the match, with early dominance in possession setting the tone. Benin, despite showing organisation and resilience, struggled to carve out clear chances in the opening stages and were unable to breach a disciplined DRC defence.

More from Kenya

Nicolas Jackson on the Double as Senegal Cruise Past Botswana 3–0

Vihiga’s New Maternal and Child Health Complex Marks Major Milestone

DR Congo thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Cédric Bakambu met a cross with a powerful header, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review. B

akambu later missed another chance, with goalkeeper Allagbé making a strong save to keep the scoreline at 1–0.

Benin pressed for an equaliser late in the game, with Aiyegun Tosin coming close, but the Leopards held firm to secure maximum points in a competitive Group D fixture.

The result places DR Congo at the top of Group D ahead of their next match against Senegal, while Benin will look to bounce back against Botswana.