Senegal vs DR Congo Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
Click here to join our AFCON Fantasy mini-league!
These two sides competed well in FIFA World Cup qualification as Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo now do battle in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Senegal preview: Strong Senegalese
It was an impressive start to the 2025/26 CAF Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal as the Lions of Teranga dispatched of Botswana by three goals to nil with a comprehensive and impressive performance.
A brace from Nicolas Jackson, as well as a Cheikh Ndiaye goal, was a good example of how this Senegal side is evolving while continuing to remain one of the strongest sides on the continent, now under the management of Pape Thiaw.
DR Congo preview: Strong DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo are an improving force in African football, as shown by the fact that they are heading into the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in March after beating both Cameroon and Nigeria in the CAF playoffs.
DR Congo have also begun this tournament, one in which they will believe they can go quite deep into it, with a victory. Theo Bongonda’s 16th minute strike against Benin was enough to give DR Congo a victory in their opening game.
Senegal team news: Deep squad
Senegal have a deep and impressive squad but, with the group there to be won, it is unlikely that Thiaw will make too many, if any, changes for the clash with DR Congo.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane; Jackson
Unavailable:
Questionable:
DR Congo team news: No need to change
DR Congo have a fully fit and available squad for this crucial clash with their midfield duo of Edo Kayembe and Noah Sadiki crucial in behind the likes of Bongonda and Cedric Bakambu.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Kayembe, Sadiki, Mbuku; Bakambu
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Senegal vs DR Congo prediction
This could well be a game that is played out in the latter stages of this AFCON. Both teams performed well against each other in FIFA World Cup qualifying with Senegal avoiding early elimination by coming from 2-0 down to beat DR Congo by three goals to two. These both also started with a win and both teams scoring may well be a good bet for two of the stronger sides in African football at the moment.
Senegal vs DR Congo tip: Both teams to score
