The match between Senegal and DRC is expected to be one of the most thrilling, with both teams eager to establish dominance ahead of their World Cup qualifier.
Former Senegal coach Aliou Cissé has warned the Lions of Teranga's Group D opponents at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Senegal, drawn with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Benin, and Botswana, aims to bounce back after their early exit in 2023.
In an interview with CAF Media on Monday, He said “A difficult group, as we know two of these teams well,” Cissé said. “The advantage is that we know them, but the disadvantage is they know us too. However, I have no doubt Senegal can progress.”
The match between Senegal and DRC is expected to be one of the most thrilling, with both teams eager to establish dominance ahead of their World Cup qualifier. Cissé added, “This match will be explosive.” The game will see Senegal’s experienced defense, led by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, face DRC's attacking threats, like Yoane Wissa.
Senegal, with new coach Pape Thiaw, is focused on correcting their 2023 exit and aiming to reclaim the trophy. "The last tournament was a learning experience," said Cissé. "Now, it’s about building on that and regaining the title."
The tournament will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six Moroccan cities, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-place finishers advancing to the knockout stages.