Senegal vs DR Congo Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025

Both teams eye topping Group D with a win in Tangier.

The Tangier Grand Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, gears up to host the Matchweek 2 fixture of AFCON 2025 featuring 2021 African champions Senegal and two-time African champions DR Congo.

No wonder Senegal has one of the deadliest squads for AFCON 2025 and is one of the favourites to win the championship. They kick-started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Botswana in the opening game after a brace from Nicolas Jackson and a late goal from Cherif Ndiaye.

The two-time African champions last won the AFCON back in 1974 and are also on the verge of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are coming after a controversial 1-0 win over Benin in the opening game. Despite a late penalty appeal from Benin, the referee denied due to a VAR malfunction.

Kick-off:

• Location: Tangier, Morocco
• Stadium: Grand Stadium Tangier
• Date: Saturday, December 27
• Kick-off Time: 8:30 p.m. IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Players to Watch

Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)

The Senegalese striker scored a brace in the opening game against Botswana. He has played for top European teams like Villarreal and also won the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea before recently making a loan move to the Allianz Arena with Bayern Munich.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)

The Congo international has played for Crystal Palace and Manchester United before making a move to London with West Ham United in 2024. French gaffer Sebastien Desabre will be relying upon Wan-Bissaka’s defensive strength to secure yet another clean sheet in AFCON 2025 against a mighty side.

Through the wire. 🕸🕷 pic.twitter.com/c8PVvJ9Jwo

— Aaron Wan-Bissaka (@awbissaka) March 3, 2022

Match Facts

• DR Congo defeated the Lions of Teranga only once in history.
• Mamadou Niang from Senegal is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.
• The most recent encounter in the FIFA WC Qualifiers ended in a 1-1 draw.

Senegal vs DR Congo: Betting Tips and Odds

• Senegal to win the match – 4/6 with bet365
• Nicolas Jackson to score the first goal – 21/10 with bet365
• Senegal 2-1 DR Congo – 17/2 with bet365

Injury and Team News

Senegal will miss the presence of Habib Diarra and Assane Diao.

DR Congo will miss Mario Stroyekens.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 09

Senegal won: 06

DR Congo won: 01

Draws: 02

Predicted Lineups

Senegal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mendy (GK); Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; Gueye, I Gueye; Ndiaye, Mane, I Sarr; Jackson

DR Congo predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Mpasi (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Mbema, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Kayembe, Sadiki, Mbuku; Bakambu

Match Prediction

Both sides are coming after a win in the opening matchweek. Looking at Senegal’s squad and form, we expect them to clinch a slender win over Congo.

Prediction: Senegal 2-1 DR Congo

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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