Defending champions Senegal were forced to settle for a 1-1 stalemate with a determined Congo side in their second Group D fixture at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Monday afternoon.
Dechan Moussavou’s early strike gave Congo a surprise lead, but Joseph Layousse salvaged a point for the Teranga Lions with a second-half equaliser at the Amaan Stadium.
The result leaves Senegal on four points from two matches, with Congo on two ahead of tonight’s other group clash between Nigeria and Sudan.
Congo strike first in physical opening
Senegal head coach Souleymane Diallo had warned pre-match of a “trap” game, and Congo wasted no time in springing it.
In the 19th minute, Charles Atipo delivered a teasing cross from the right that Moussavou met with a clinical right-footed finish high into the net from close range.
The champions, who had beaten Nigeria 1-0 in their opening match, were rattled by Congo’s physical approach and quick transitions.
Senegal struggled to break through a compact 4-2-3-1 structure, with Venold Dzaba and Gosim Elenga disrupting midfield rhythm.
The first half became increasingly scrappy, punctuated by frequent fouls and stoppages for treatment, breaking up the flow of the game.
Congo goalkeeper Ulrich Samba was well protected, with only Mbaye Yaya Ly’s angled shot in added time coming close to troubling him.
Diallo turns to bench for response
Diallo made changes at the break, introducing Vieux Cissé to add creativity, but Congo continued to threaten on the counter.
Marc Diouf, in Senegal’s goal, was called into action to save Elie Andzouono’s curling shot from outside the box in the 69th minute.
Senegal, however, began to build momentum. Ousseynou Seck’s delivery from set-pieces became a weapon, forcing Congo to defend deeper.
Christian Gomis and Libasse Guèye both went close, with Samba producing sharp saves to preserve Congo’s advantage.
The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when Seck’s corner caused chaos in the box and Layousse pounced, rifling a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
The equaliser lifted Senegal, and moments later Seyni Ndiaye missed a close-range header that could have completed the turnaround.
Late tension but no winner
The closing minutes were tense, with both sides sensing an opportunity to snatch victory. Brudet Okana fired over for Congo, while Ababacar Sarr’s late free-kick delivery caused panic but found no final touch.
A flurry of stoppages and yellow cards in added time underlined the intensity of the contest, with neither team able to carve out a decisive chance.
Group D takes shape
The draw keeps Senegal in a strong position, though Diallo will rue the missed opportunity to secure quarter-final qualification with a game to spare.
Congo, meanwhile, have shown they can trouble the group’s favourites and will take confidence into their remaining fixtures.
Nigeria’s meeting with Sudan later tonight will further shape the group, with all four teams still in contention for the last eight.
