Senegal top Africa Cup of Nations group ahead of DR Congo as Tanzania make history
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Democratic Republic Of Congo playmaker Gael Kakuta scoring past Botswana's Tebogo Kopelang and goalkepper Goitseone Phoko during DR Congo's 3-0 Africa Cup of Nations win in Rabat on Dec 30.
PHOTO: AFP
RABAT – Senegal advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) last 16 as group winners on Dec 30, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo facing a heavyweight tie against Algeria, while Tanzania reached the knockout stages for the first time.
Sadio Mane’s Senegal, who were African champions in 2022, beat Benin 3-0 in Tangier to top Group D on goal difference ahead of DR Congo. The Leopards won by the same margin against Botswana in Rabat.
Abdoulaye Seck scored in the first half and Habib Diallo added a second for the Lions of Teranga just after the hour mark, before Cherif Ndiaye converted a penalty deep into injury time.
Former Chelsea winger Gael Kakuta was in outstanding form with two goals and an assist as DR Congo saw off Botswana, who had already been eliminated.
It looked at one point as though Senegal and DR Congo might end the group stage with identical records, leaving open the possibility of their final positions being decided by a drawing of lots.
In the end, both finished on seven points as Senegal won the group by a difference of just two goals.
Pape Thiaw’s team now have a kinder draw as they remain in Tangier for a last-16 tie on Jan 3 against the third-place finisher of Group E – either Burkina Faso or Sudan.
DR Congo, in contrast, must play 2019 champions Algeria on Jan 6 and the winner of that clash will potentially have to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
“We wanted a fourth goal to maybe force a drawing of lots, and we wanted to score as many goals as possible to try to win the group,” said Sebastien Desabre, the DR Congo coach.
“It wasn’t to be but I’m not disappointed, I’m proud. We have achieved the objective of reaching the last 16.”
Benin’s three points are enough for them to go through as one of the best third-placed teams.
It will be just their second appearance in the Afcon knockout phase, with their reward a tie against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on Jan 5.
Tanzania made history by progressing from the group stage for the first time, 45 years after their maiden Afcon appearance, by drawing 1-1 with fellow qualifiers Tunisia in Rabat.
Tunisia finished second in Group C with four points, five behind table-toppers Nigeria. Tanzania pipped Angola on goals scored for one of four places reserved for third-placed teams.
Tanzania now face a daunting task against hosts and title favourites Morocco on Jan 4.
“We did not have enough time to prepare the team, but worked together with the federation,” said Argentina-born Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi, who was appointed just recently in November.
“I feel very proud, not just for myself, but for the country. To qualify is great for Tanzania. I hope this success will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players of the potential of Tanzanian football.” AFP
