In this preview, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivers a titanic Group D clash this Saturday as Senegal faces off against Congo DR at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Both nations enter this Matchday 2 fixture with maximum points and high morale; Senegal brushed aside Botswana with a commanding 3-0 victory, while the Leopards of Congo DR showed immense grit to secure a 1-0 win over Benin. With the winner essentially guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages, the atmosphere in Tangier is expected to be electric.
Senegal, the highest-ranked African nation in FIFA’s latest standings, are widely considered the tournament favorites under Pape Thiaw. However, this match preview highlights a potentially tricky encounter against a Congo DR side that has become a defensive juggernaut, keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches. For punters looking to leverage the best odds and in-play markets for this AFCON blockbuster, we recommend visiting Betano to place your bets.
Senegal vs DR Congo Betting Preview
Team Recent Form
Senegal: W W L W W
Congo DR: W W W W W
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Key Stats
- Offensive Juggernaut: Senegal recorded a record-breaking 17 shots on target and nine big chances created in their opening match against Botswana—the highest metrics recorded by any team in an AFCON match since 2010.
- Leopard Lockdown: Congo DR has developed a formidable defensive reputation under Sébastien Desabre, winning five of their last six international fixtures with a clean sheet.5
- Early Starters: Senegal are relentless in the opening exchanges, having scored at least one first-half goal in six of their last seven competitive internationals.6
Correct Score Prediction
Senegal 2-1 Congo DR. While Congo DR’s defensive record is impressive, the sheer variety and volume of Senegal’s attack—led by an in-form Nicolas Jackson—should eventually break the Leopards’ resistance. Senegal’s ability to dominate possession (averaging over 65% in recent games) will likely force Congo DR deep into their own half. However, with Theo Bongonda’s clinical finishing on the break, the Leopards are more than capable of snatching a goal. For the most secure and rewarding betting experience, check out Betano.
Senegal vs Congo DR H2H
- Historical Dominance: Senegal are currently unbeaten in their last 8 meetings against Congo DR across all competitions (W6, D2).
- Recent Thriller: The most recent competitive encounter between these two sides was a 2026 World Cup Qualifier in September 2025, which Senegal won 3-2 after overturning a two-goal deficit.
- Tournament History: Senegal has won six of the ten total meetings between these sides, with Congo DR’s last significant win coming back in 1968.
- Possession Kings: In their last three H2H meetings, Senegal has averaged 61% possession, highlighting their control over this specific matchup.
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Pre-game Odds
- Senegal Win: 1.67
- Draw: 3.40
- Congo DR Win: 6.50
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Team News Senegal
The Lions of Teranga have a virtually clean bill of health. Pape Thiaw is expected to welcome back West Ham United full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf from suspension, though he faces competition from Ismail Jakobs. Nicolas Jackson is the man of the moment after his Matchday 1 brace, while veteran captain Kalidou Koulibaly will continue to anchor a defense that has conceded zero goals in four of its last five matches.
Team News Congo DR
Sébastien Desabre also enjoys a fully-fit squad heading into this clash. The Leopards will lean heavily on the Premier League experience of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe to handle the threat of Sadio Mane. Theo Bongonda, who scored the winner against Benin, remains their primary creative outlet, while Cédric Bakambu will be desperate to make amends after having a goal ruled out by VAR in their opening fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Jakobs; L. Camara, P. Sarr, I.13 Gueye; I. Sarr, Jackson, Mané.
Congo DR (4-1-4-1): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Kayembe, Sadiki, Mbuku; Bakambu.
Senegal vs Congo DR Betting Tips
- Tip 1 – Result: Senegal Win. The “Lions of Teranga” have too much quality and depth, coupled with a superior H2H record that spans decades.
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals. Recent meetings between these two (like the 3-2 in September) have been high-scoring affairs, and Senegal’s current shot volume suggests goals are inevitable.15
- Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes. Congo DR has scored in each of their last six matches, and while Senegal is defensively sound, the Leopards’ counter-attacking speed is a legitimate threat.
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