In a tightly contested match on the outskirts of Lome, DR Congo edged past Togo with a decisive 1-0 victory, keeping their hopes of automatic qualification alive in Group B of the tournament.
The standout moment came from striker Cedric Bakambu, who netted the only goal of the match just seven minutes in. After Fiston Mayele showcased his tenacity by winning back possession in midfield, he artfully threaded a pass through to Bakambu, who made no mistake, launching a powerful shot from the edge of the area that found the back of the net with surgical precision.
Despite DR Congo’s impressive early start, Togo fought back valiantly, dominating possession for significant stretches of the game. Their efforts, however, were thwarted by the impeccable defensive display from DR Congo’s backline, particularly the duo of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Chancel Mbemba.
Wan-Bissaka’s agility and Mbemba’s aerial prowess proved crucial in repelling Togo’s attempts to level the score, allowing DR Congo to maintain their slender lead as the game progressed.
With this victory, DR Congo remains firmly in the race for qualification, now sitting in second place with 19 points, just two points behind the group leaders, Senegal, who sit at the top with 21 points. The task ahead is clear: DR Congo must secure a win against Sudan in their final group match and simultaneously hope that Mauritania can pull off a surprise result against Senegal in Dakar.
As the tournament nears its climax, the tension heightens not only for DR Congo but also for Senegal, who must navigate the final match with caution.
A slip-up from the Lions of Teranga could catapult DR Congo into a critical position, where they could seize an opportunity to advance as one of the best losers. With everything on the line, the concluding matches of Group B promise an exhilarating finish, filled with drama and potential twists that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.