DR Congo’s Leopards began their Group D campaign on a winning note with a 1–0 victory over Benin’s Guépards at the Al Madina Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Théo Bongonda capitalised on a defensive error to fire home a well-taken first-time finish and give DR Congo an early lead.
Benin attempted to respond and gradually worked their way back into the contest, but the Leopards controlled the tempo, limiting clear-cut chances.
In the 29th minute, Benin goalkeeper Hassane produced a crucial intervention to deny Bongonda a second goal.
DR Congo thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Cédric Bakambu nodded home from a pinpoint cross in the 48th minute, but celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the goal out for offside following a review.
The Leopards continued to press for a second goal in the closing stages, while Benin remained resolute defensively and pushed forward late on in search of an equaliser.
In the 90th minute, Dimitry Mpasi made an important save to keep out Tosin’s effort and preserve DR Congo’s lead.
The final whistle confirmed a 1–0 win for DR Congo, their opening match for the first time since 2017.
Uche Dozie