2026 FIFA World Cup candidates the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) campaign with a 1-0 win over Benin in a Group D encounter at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

Théo Bongonda’s first-half goal was all the DRC needed to begin the tournament on a high.

The DRC, looked sharp in most parts of the game, and Benin were lucky to escape with a narrow defeat.

In the first quarter of an hour, Bongonda pounced on a defensive lapse in the Benin box and managed to put one past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé.

After going ahead, the Leopards maintained the momentum, circulating the ball confidently and exploiting the gaps in a Benin side.

Cédric Bakambu nearly added a second, drawing an impressive one-on-one save from Allagbé.

Benin, the Cheetahs looked to threaten on the break and from dead-ball situations, hoping to unsettle their opponents.

However, a well-organized Congolese defense stood firm, dealing effectively with crosses, loose balls, and aerial threats.

In the final minutes, Benin displayed urgency and resolve but lacking the decisive touch in the final third.

DR Congo remained composed, managing the closing stages with authority to secure all three points and a deserved clean sheet.

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