Bongonda Strike Hands Congo Dr Narrow Afcon Win Over Benin

Congo DR began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a positive note after grinding out a hard fought 1-0 win against Benin, with Théo Bongonda’s first half strike making the difference in a closely contested encounter.

The decisive moment arrived in the 16th minute when Arthur Masuaku surged forward from left back and delivered a precise ball into the box. Bongonda timed his run perfectly, controlled calmly and guided a left footed finish into the bottom corner to give Congo DR an early advantage.

Benin responded with increased urgency, looking to stretch Congo DR down the flanks and test Lionel Mpasi in goal. Jodel Dossou and Rodolfo Aloko both went close from distance, while Aiyegun Tosin remained a constant aerial threat inside the box, but clear cut chances were limited.

Congo DR thought they had doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Cedric Bakambu found the net, only for VAR to intervene and rule the effort out for offside. The decision kept Benin firmly in the contest and lifted their belief as the match entered a more physical and scrappy phase.

As the game wore on, Benin pushed numbers forward, forcing Congo DR into a more defensive posture. Saturnin Allagbe made a couple of solid saves to keep his side within touching distance, while Mpasi was also called into action late on to deny Tosin during a frantic spell of stoppage time.

Despite ten minutes of added time and sustained pressure from Benin, Congo DR held their shape well, with Axel Tuanzebe and Chancel Mbemba standing firm at the back to see out the result.

The narrow victory gives Congo DR a valuable three points to start their group campaign, while Benin are left to rue missed opportunities as they turn their attention to their next fixture knowing improvement will be required to stay in contention.