AFCON 2025 Day 6 Wrap: Mane Saves Senegal, Benin Make History

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AFCON 2025 Day 6 Wrap: Mane Saves Senegal, Benin Make History

After a dramatic Day 5 of the Africa Cup of Nations, the tournament continued with more thrilling action on Day 6 as Group D served up two contrasting stories, Senegal held by DR Congo in Tangier, and Benin celebrating a historic first-ever AFCON victory in Rabat.

Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania are currently battling it out, with Nigeria set to face Tunisia in the final match of the day.

Senegal 1–1 DR Congo: Mane to the Rescue in Tangier

Sadio Mane struck an equalizer as Senegal battled to a 1–1 draw with DR Congo in Tangier. Cedric Bakambu put Les Leopards ahead on the hour mark, pouncing after Edouard Mendy parried Theo Bongonda’s shot. Eight minutes later, Mane calmly converted after Ibrahim Mbaye’s effort was spilled.

Senegal dominated the first half but wasted chances, Nicolas Jackson shot wide, Mane missed a free-kick, and Ismaila Sarr volleyed over. DR Congo improved after the break, with Noah Sadiki testing Mendy before Bakambu’s opener. Mane’s response set up a frantic finish, but neither side found a winner.

Both teams sit on four points, Senegal leading on goal difference. Tuesday’s clashes, Senegal vs Benin and DR Congo vs Botswana will decide the group.

Man of the Match – Sadio Mane:
“One point is not too bad as DR Congo were determined and played very well. AFCON is always tough, and this was a tough match. You cannot underrate any team.”

Benin 1–0 Botswana: Historic First Win for Squirrels

Benin wrote a new chapter in their football history with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Botswana in Rabat—their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Yohan Roche’s deflected strike in the 28th minute proved decisive, finishing off a pass from captain Steve Mounié. Earlier, Tosin Aiyegun had a goal ruled out for offside, while Botswana came agonizingly close to equalizing when Mothusi Johnson’s free-kick rattled the crossbar.

Benin pressed for a second after the break, with Tamimou Ouorou twice forcing saves from Goitseone Phoko. Botswana pushed forward late on but lacked the cutting edge to trouble Benin’s resolute defense.

The result revives Benin’s Round of 16 hopes ahead of their final group clash with Senegal, while Botswana face DR Congo needing a miracle to progress.

Gernot Rohr (Benin Coach):
“This victory is important because it gives us a chance to qualify. We proved today that we have progressed defensively and recovered well offensively.”

Man of the Match – Yohan Roche:
“It’s a source of immense pride. This goal is special after the difficulties of the first match. So proud to have scored Benin’s first AFCON win!”

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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