Sadio Mane scored as Senegal came from behind to draw 1-1 with DR Congo, ensuring they remained in pole position to reach the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages.

Cedric Bakambu gave his team hope of a first victory over Senegal since January 1969, but Pape Thiaw's team hit back to seal a share of the spoils.

Senegal started the stronger of the two teams at Grand Stade de Tanger, though Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and Mane were unable to truly test Lionel Mpasi.

It took until the 45th minute for the game's first shot on target, but Pape Gueye's speculative shot from distance was easily gathered by DR Congo goalkeeper Mpasi.

But Sebastien Desabre's side improved after the break through Noah Sadiki and Theo Bongonda, with their persistence rewarded on the hour thanks to a sweeping counter-attack.

A fine move which started with Mpasi saw the ball find its way to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose cross saw Bongonda's effort saved, only for Bakambu to tuck home the rebound.

However, DR Congo's joy was short lived as Senegal drew level through Mane eight minutes later, with the Al-Nassr man remaining composed before picking out the bottom corner.

Both sides continued to push for a winner but they remain level on four points in Group D, with Senegal top due to their superior goal difference.

In the earlier match in the group, Benin claimed their first ever victory at AFCON at the 16th attempt as Yohan Roche's 28th-minute strike earned a 1-0 win over Botswana.

The deciding moment came when a long ball towards the right channel made its way to Roche, who steadied himself before seeing his effort deflect over Goitseone Phoko.

The closest Botswana came to an equaliser was through Mothusi Johnson's free-kick just before half-time, but Gernot Rohr's men were able to comfortably see out a memorable win.

Data Debrief: Mane fires at AFCON again

Albeit a disappointing result for the 2021 AFCON champions, Senegal were able to maintain their unbeaten start to their campaign thanks to Mane's equaliser.

Mane has now scored at least one goal in five different editions of AFCON (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025). No other player has done better in the competition since his debut in the AFCON in 2015, though his former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah is level with him.

Mane's second-half strike was also his 10th goal at AFCON, at least twice as many as any other Senegalese player. Only Samuel Eto'o (14) and Didier Drogba (11) have scored more in the competition in the 21st century.

But Senegal were made to pay for their profligacy in front of goal. They registered an expected goals (xG) total of 1.81 from their 11 attempts compared to Congo's 0.98 from their seven shots.