Senegal top AFCON group, DR Congo to face Algeria in last 16

Democratic Republic of the Congo players celebrate after scoring a goal during the 35th AFCON group D match vs Botswana at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on December 30, 2025. [Chris Milosi / AFP]

Senegal saw off Benin on Tuesday to go through to the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations as winners of Group D, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo to settle for second place which means they will play Algeria in a heavyweight tie in the next round.

Sadio Mane's Senegal, African champions in 2022, came into the final round of group games needing to beat Benin in Tangier and hope that their Congolese rivals did not manage to move above them on goal difference.