Either Senegal or DR Congo could secure promotion to the Africa Cup of Nations playoffs with a win on Saturday, as both sides claimed flawless wins in the opening round earlier this week.
Senegal kicked off their title charge with a convincing 3-0 win over Botswana, while setting a tournament record for the most shots on target with 17. The final score could have been much greater if not for Botswana’s goalkeeper, who had the performance of his career.
The Lions of Teranga won the competition in 2021 and are among the favourites to win it this year, next to the hosts Morocco. Senegal have had a busy year and while it took Pape Thiaw some time to adjust, his team’s current form is sensational.
They won eight of their last 10 matches, with the two defeats being against Morocco in the African Nations Championship and against Brazil in a recent friendly match.
DR Congo finished fourth in the 2023 edition of the AFCON and aim to reach as far as possible once again. The Leopards are in a similarly sensational form with six wins in a row, in which they managed five clean sheets.
Unlike Senegal, however, DR Congo have been far more conservative in front of the goal, as four of those recent six wins were claimed by a single goal (1-0).
How the bookies view it: A bigger challenge for Senegal
While Senegal will be favourites against most teams they meet in the AFCON, the difference in odds this time is not that significant. Bookmakers estimated their chances at 7/10, while DR Congo are available at 19/4 as underdogs. The draw is also an option at 11/5.
Recent head-to-head: Senegal are unbeaten since 1968
Senegal and DR Congo have a rich history between them, and the Leopards have had few reasons for celebration. DR Congo’s last and only win over this rival dates back to 1968.
Since then, the nations have met eight times, out of which Senegal won six matches (D2). Most recently, the teams played in the 2026 World Cup qualifications, when the Lions of Teranga achieved a sensational 3-2 win after being 0-2 down.
Players to watch: Jackson needs goals for his confidence
Senegal’s squad consists of players who perform at the highest level in Europe, and there are plenty of betting options.
Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson already made the headlines with his brace against Botswana and will be eager to increase his tally. He hasn’t been getting many minutes for his club lately, so a strong performance in the AFCON could convince Vincent Kompany to trust him more often.
Probable line-ups
Senegal: Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly. Niakhate, Jakobs, I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane, Jackson
DR Congo: M’Pasi, Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku, Moutoussamy, Mbuku, Sadiki, Keyembe, Bongonda, Bakambu
Anything else catch the eye?
This is a difficult fixture because we have two teams in strong form, but with completely different playstyles. Senegal probably have the strongest frontline in the competition and it shows – they scored 3+ goals in four of their last five fixtures.
DR Congo have a more defensive style, and usually don’t concede goals. Nevertheless, we expect a different game when they face Senegal. The Over 2.5 odds revolve around 3/2 right now, which is an incredible opportunity.
Senegal scored 2+ goals in four of their last five H2Hs with DR Congo, while 3/5 matches ended with both teams scoring at least once.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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