DR Congo began their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Benin in Group D, edging a tense opener thanks to a first-half strike from Théo Bongonda.

The Leopards started the contest with clear intent, pressing high and pinning Benin deep in their own half during the opening exchanges. Early pressure earned Congo a series of corners, setting the tone for what looked like an assertive start. Benin, however, remained compact and initially limited clear-cut chances.

The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute. Arthur Masuaku launched a long, searching ball forward that caught Benin’s back line flat. Bongonda timed his run perfectly, surged into the box, rounded goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé and calmly slotted into the left corner to give DR Congo the lead.

Congo briefly thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after when Cédric Bakambu powered a header into the net from close range, but celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the striker offside.

Following the goal, the rhythm of the match shifted. Benin began to assert themselves, enjoying longer spells of possession and pushing numbers forward. Romaric Amoussou, Tosin Aiyegun and Hassane all went close before the interval, but their finishing lacked precision as shots either drifted wide or were comfortably gathered by Dimitry M’Pasi.

The first half ended with Benin firmly on the front foot, despite Congo maintaining their slender advantage.

The second period followed a similar pattern. Benin continued to probe, committing bodies into attack and forcing Congo into a more cautious, defensive posture. Substitutions on both sides injected fresh energy, with Fiston Mayele and Brian Cipenga introduced for the Leopards, while Benin reshuffled their attack in search of an equaliser.

Chances came at both ends. Mayele fired wide after being slipped through, while Ourou and Amoussou tested their luck from the edge of the area without success. Congo, though less dominant than early on, remained organised and disciplined, with their back line holding firm under sustained pressure.

As the match wore on, Benin’s urgency increased but composure in the final third deserted them. Several promising moves broke down due to rushed shots or last-ditch defending, allowing Congo to see out the contest without conceding.

At the final whistle, DR Congo celebrated a valuable opening-day victory, securing three points despite being second-best for long spells. For Benin, the result was frustrating, as their dominance after conceding failed to translate into goals.

The narrow win places the Leopards in a strong position early in Group D, while Benin will be left knowing they must sharpen their finishing to revive their AFCON 2025 hopes in the matches ahead.