Senegal and DR Congo face off in a crucial Group D clash at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, with both sides aiming to secure early progression to the knockout stage after winning their opening matches.
The match is scheduled for December 27, 2025, with kick-off at 15:00 GMT+0 at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier, Morocco, a venue with a capacity of 68,000 that promises an electric atmosphere for this high-stakes encounter in the group stage of the tournament. No official referee appointment has been confirmed yet for this specific fixture, but CAF’s experienced officials are overseeing the competition amid some early controversies with VAR in other games.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
This Group D showdown pits two in-form African powerhouses against each other, setting the stage perfectly for detailed analysis of recent performances and historical encounters. Senegal vs DR Congo prediction today points to a tightly contested affair, but the Lions of Teranga hold the edge due to their superior attacking depth. Recent results highlight Senegal’s clinical finishing, while DR Congo rely on defensive resilience. Head-to-head trends favor Senegal strongly, making this a key match for bettors seeking value. Expect tactical discipline from both coaches as they vie for group supremacy.
Senegal Results
Senegal enter this match as the reigning group leaders after a dominant start, showcasing their status as tournament favorites under new manager Pape Thiaw. The Lions of Teranga have been ruthless in attack while maintaining solidity at the back in recent outings. Their form reflects a team building momentum toward defending their continental pedigree.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 23.12.25 | ACN | Senegal vs Botswana | 3-0 | W |
| 18.11.25 | FI | Senegal vs Kenya | 8-0 | W |
| 15.11.25 | FI | Brazil vs Senegal | 2-0 | L |
| 14.10.25 | WC | Senegal vs Mauritania | 4-0 | W |
| 10.10.25 | WC | South Sudan vs Senegal | 0-5 | W |
Senegal have won seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, scoring prolifically in most victories. The only defeat came against Brazil, highlighting their vulnerability only against top-tier opposition. Home advantage in tournament terms has seen them concede minimally, with clean sheets in four of the last five wins. Nicolas Jackson’s brace against Botswana underscores their first-half scoring threat. This run positions them confidently for another strong performance.
DR Congo Results
DR Congo, under Sébastien Desabre, have transformed into one of Africa’s dark horses, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak that includes notable scalps in World Cup qualifying. The Leopards’ recent successes emphasize their defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess. They aim to make history by winning their first two AFCON group games for the first time.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 23.12.25 | ACN | DR Congo vs Benin | 1-0 | W |
| 16.12.25 | FI | DR Congo vs Zambia | 2-0 | W |
| 16.11.25 | WC | Nigeria vs DR Congo | 1-2 | W |
| 13.11.25 | WC | Cameroon vs DR Congo | 0-1 | W |
| 14.10.25 | WC | DR Congo vs Sudan | 1-0 | W |
DR Congo are on a remarkable six-match winning streak, with five clean sheets in that period. Their victories include gritty away wins over strong sides like Nigeria and Cameroon. The narrow triumph over Benin showcased their ability to grind out results despite dominance. Théo Bongonda’s goal-scoring form adds threat on transitions. This defensive solidity makes them tough to break down, even against elite attacks.
Senegal vs DR Congo Head-to-Head
Historical encounters between these sides have often been competitive, with Senegal holding a strong recent dominance. The Lions of Teranga are unbeaten in the last eight overall meetings, including comebacks in qualifiers. DR Congo’s last win dates back over a decade, adding psychological edge to Senegal.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 09.09.25 | WC | DR Congo vs Senegal | 2-3 |
| 06.06.24 | WC | Senegal vs DR Congo | 1-1 |
| 22.01.23 | ANC | Senegal vs DR Congo | 3-0 |
| 03.09.11 | ACN | Senegal vs DR Congo | 2-0 |
| 05.09.10 | ACN | DR Congo vs Senegal | 2-4 |
Senegal have won four of the last five head-to-heads, often with multiple goals. The most recent clash saw them recover from 2-0 down to win 3-2 away. Draws are rare recently, but DR Congo showed resilience in the 1-1 qualifier. Overall, Senegal’s attacking quality has overwhelmed DR Congo in direct battles.
Senegal vs DR Congo Predicted Starting Lineups
With both teams coming off convincing opening wins and no new injury concerns reported ahead of this crucial Group D clash, coaches are likely to field strong, unchanged sides to secure early qualification. These predicted lineups are based on recent performances, tactical preferences, and available team news as of December 25, 2025. Official confirmations usually come closer to kick-off.
Senegal possible starting lineup
Mendy (GK); Diatta (DF), Koulibaly (DF), Niakhate (DF), Jakobs (DF); Camara (MF), P. Sarr (MF), I. Gueye (MF); I. Sarr (FW), Jackson (FW), Mane (FW)
DR Congo possible starting lineup
Mpasi (GK); Wan-Bissaka (DF), Mbemba (DF), Tuanzebe (DF), Masuaku (DF); Moutoussamy (MF), Mukau (MF), Sadiki (CM); Elia (FW), Bakambu (FW), Banza (FW)
Key Factors and Team News
Both teams head into this clash with momentum from opening wins, but several elements could decide the outcome in Tangier. Senegal’s superior squad depth contrasts with DR Congo’s organized press and physicality. Motivation is high for both to top the group early.
- No fresh injuries reported for either side, allowing full-strength lineups;
- Senegal’s form: Seven wins in eight games, scoring 3+ goals in five;
- DR Congo’s winning streak: Six consecutive victories with five clean sheets;
- Nicolas Jackson in red-hot form with braces and early goals for Senegal;
- Théo Bongonda’s winner against Benin highlights DR Congo’s clinical edge;
- Senegal’s first-half scoring in six of last seven internationals;
- DR Congo conceding few but vulnerable before halftime in recent AFCON goals;
- Historical dominance: Senegal unbeaten in eight H2H meetings;
- Tactical battle: Senegal’s possession vs DR Congo’s high press and counters;
- Neutral venue but Senegal’s higher FIFA ranking adds favorite status.
Free Tips on Senegal vs DR Congo
Before placing any bets on this crucial Group D encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, consider these practical insights drawn from historical data, recent performances, and matchup specifics. These free tips focus on statistical trends and contextual factors to help identify potential value in the betting markets. Both teams arrive in strong form, but subtle edges can emerge from deeper analysis.
- Head-to-Head Dominance: Senegal have remained unbeaten in their last eight meetings with DR Congo, winning six, including a dramatic 3-2 comeback in September 2025 World Cup qualifying – this historical edge often translates to psychological confidence for the Lions of Teranga.
- Goal Timing Patterns: Senegal have scored at least once in the first half in six of their last seven internationals, while DR Congo have netted early in eight of their last nine – backing a goal before halftime could offer value given these overlapping trends.
- Defensive Streaks and Clean Sheets: DR Congo boast five clean sheets in their six-match winning run, but face a Senegal side that has scored 3+ goals in five of their seven recent victories – consider options like Senegal to score over 1.5 if valuing attacking potency over DR Congo’s solidity.
- Recent Schedule and Fatigue: Both teams played their opening group games just four days ago (December 23), with no major travel demands on a neutral venue, but monitor late team news for any rotation that could impact intensity in a tight turnaround.
- Pitch and Weather Conditions: The Stade Ibn Batouta features a high-quality hybrid grass surface ideal for fast, technical play, and with mild December weather expected in Tangier (around 15-18°C, low rain chance), conditions favor Senegal’s possession-based style over a low-block approach.
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Senegal vs DR Congo Match Prediction 2025
In this pivotal Group D encounter, Senegal emerge as clear favorites to secure victory and virtually seal progression, backed by their explosive attack led by Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, and the in-form Nicolas Jackson, who has scored in the first hour consistently. DR Congo’s defensive resilience and six-game winning run make them dangerous on counters, but Senegal’s unbeaten streak in head-to-heads (eight games) and superior xG creation in recent matches tilt the balance. The Lions’ tendency to score early, combined with DR Congo’s occasional first-half concessions, suggests a fast start. While the Leopards could frustrate with press, Senegal’s depth and motivation to top the group should prevail in a competitive but ultimately one-sided affair. Senegal vs DR Congo odds reflect this, with the hosts priced around 1.78 for the win, offering value given their form and history. Expect Senegal to control possession and capitalize on transitions for a multi-goal margin.
Our Prediction: Senegal 2-0 DR Congo
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Main Prediction | Senegal Win | 1.79 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.52 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.6 |
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