Already certain of being qualified for the round of 16 of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN) even before facing Benin on Tuesday December 30 in Tangier (Morocco), Senegal had to retain first place in Group D, synonymous with a more affordable draw for the final stages. The objective was achieved by the Lions of Teranga, winners of the Beninese (3-0), certainly without style, but with efficiency.
In a sometimes disjointed match, where mistakes accumulated at the start of the game, it was from a set piece that the Senegalese opened the scoring. Served by Krépin Diatta, central defender Abdoulaye Seck placed an unstoppable header for Beninese goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou (38e). In the second half, the Lions of Teranga widened the gap thanks to a goal from Habib Diallo well served by Sadio Mané (62e). Then in added time, Cherif Ndiaye converted a penalty awarded following a foul suffered by the young Paris Saint-Germain striker, Ibrahim Mbaye (90e + 7).
First in group D, the Senegalese will face Burkina Faso or Sudan in the round of 16, who will decide on Wednesday. The only downside of the evening for the men of coach Pape Thiaw: the expulsion and upcoming suspension of their captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, guilty of an involuntary but dangerous sole on Aiyegun Tosinun (71e).
In the other meeting of the group, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), whose performance could impact the order of the group, won by the same score against Botswana (3-0). This great success thus guaranteed them second place, and a future clash against Algeria, to enter the elimination phase of the tournament. Finally third, Benin also won its qualifying ticket, which will pit it against Egypt.
A historic qualification for Tanzania
No matter the way, the essential has been ensured. Tunisia qualified for the round of 16 thanks to its draw against Tanzania (1-1), in Rabat, on the last day of group C. The Carthage Eagles finished second in their group behind Nigeria. The Super Eagles, who had already made sure to continue the competition, achieved a third success in a row, dominating Uganda (3-1) in Fez.
In the next round, Tunisia will meet, on Saturday in Casablanca, Mali, who finished second in group A, while Nigeria will face, on Monday, the third in group F, which remains to be determined. The identity of their opponent will be known on Wednesday December 31, at the end of the matches which will begin at 8 p.m.
Tanzania also continues its adventure in the tournament. Unheard of for the Kilimanjaro Stars, who are participating in the fourth CAN in their history. With 2 points, they are among the four best third-placed teams in the group stage. But it’s a big challenge that awaits them: they will be opposed on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco, host country and big favorite for the coronation.
