By Our Football Correspondent
RABAT, Morocco – The Al Barid Stadium in Rabat—a venue that has become a secondary home for African football excellence during this tournament—provided the sun-drenched backdrop as DR Congo secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benin in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D opener on Tuesday.
In a match characterized by intense physical duels and a vocal Moroccan crowd, the “Leopards” of DR Congo proved they have the tactical discipline to match their flair. The stadium, known for its intimate yet electric atmosphere, was buzzing long before kick-off, as fans from across the continent gathered in the heart of the Moroccan capital to witness the start of Group D action.
For fans watching back in London, there was a distinct sense of familiarity. DR Congo’s defensive line was anchored by two players with deep roots in the English capital.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the former Crystal Palace and West Ham man, put in a vintage performance on the right flank, while Arthur Masuaku, another fan favorite from the London Stadium, provided the crucial moment of the match.
It was Masuaku’s raking long delivery in the 16th minute that caused chaos in the Benin defense.
Spartak Moscow’s Théo Bongonda pounced on the hesitation, latching onto the ball to fire home aThe Al Barid Stadium (also referred to as the Al Madina in local dispatches) witnessed a tactical chess match in the second half. Benin, led by former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, dominated possession and pinned the Leopards back into their own half for long periods.
However, the Congolese defense, marshaled by captain Chancel Mbemba and former Manchester United man Axel Tuanzebe, remained resolute.
The drama reached a fever pitch early in the second half when Cédric Bakambu appeared to have doubled the lead with a header.
However, after a lengthy VAR intervention that quieted the Al Barid stands, the goal was ruled out for offside, keeping the London-based viewers and the traveling Congolese faithful on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The victory puts DR Congo in a commanding position in Group D, momentarily moving them to the top of the table before favorites Senegal take the field.
For Benin, it was a spirited display that lacked only the finishing touch, leaving them with work to do as the tournament progresses through Morocco’s iconic venues.
As the fans poured out of the Al Barid and into the bustling streets of Rabat, the consensus was clear: DR Congo may not have won with “grand style,” but they have the defensive steel to go far in this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
