Senegal Held to 1–1 Draw by Resilient Congo in CHAN Group D Clash

An early strike from Dechan Moussavou stunned the Teranga Lions, but Joseph Layousse rescued a point for Senegal with a late equaliser, ensuring the champions remain unbeaten while keeping the group wide open.

Aug 12, 2025 - 23:15
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Senegal Held to 1–1 Draw by Resilient Congo in CHAN Group D Clash
Credit: CAF

Defending champions Senegal were forced to share the spoils after a hard-fought 1–1 draw against a determined Congo side in their second Group D fixture at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, played at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Monday evening.

An early strike from Dechan Moussavou stunned the Teranga Lions, but Joseph Layousse rescued a point for Senegal with a late equaliser, ensuring the champions remain unbeaten while keeping the group wide open.

Senegal head coach Souleymane Diallo had warned before kick-off that Congo could be a “trap” opponent — and the warning proved prophetic. The Red Devils took the lead in the 19th minute when Charles Atipo delivered a precise cross from the right, met by Moussavou’s clinical right-footed finish high into the roof of the net from close range.

The goal rattled Senegal, who had beaten Nigeria 1–0 in their opening match, as Congo’s physicality and compact 4-2-3-1 defensive shape frustrated their usual fluid style. Midfield anchors Venold Dzaba and Gosim Elenga effectively disrupted Senegal’s build-up, while goalkeeper Ulrich Samba remained largely untroubled in the opening 45 minutes.

The champions’ only real chance of the first half came in stoppage time when Mbaye Yaya Ly’s angled drive forced Samba into a low save. By the break, Congo’s tactical discipline had the favourites on the back foot.

Determined to change the tempo, Diallo brought on Vieux Cissé at halftime to inject creativity. Congo, however, continued to threaten on the counter, with Elie Andzouono forcing Marc Diouf into a fine save from a curling long-range effort in the 69th minute.

Gradually, Senegal began to wrest control. Ousseynou Seck’s pinpoint set-piece deliveries unsettled Congo’s backline, leading to a series of close calls. Christian Gomis and Libasse Guèye both tested Samba, who made crucial interventions to preserve his side’s lead.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 82nd minute. Seck’s corner caused havoc in the Congo penalty area, and Layousse pounced on the loose ball, driving it into the bottom corner to level the score at 1–1.

Moments later, Senegal nearly completed the turnaround, but Seyni Ndiaye’s close-range header drifted agonisingly wide. 

The closing minutes were filled with tension, with both sides sensing victory was within reach. Congo’s Brudet Okana blazed over from a promising position, while at the other end, Ababacar Sarr’s dangerous free-kick delivery caused panic but failed to find a finishing touch.

A series of late fouls, stoppages, and yellow cards reflected the fierce competitiveness of the contest, but neither side could land a decisive strike before the final whistle.

The draw leaves Senegal top of the group with four points from two matches, while Congo sit on two points, still very much in contention for the knockout stages.

Nigeria’s clash with Sudan later tonight will further shape the group standings, with all four teams still capable of progressing to the quarter-finals. 

For Diallo, the result was a reminder that defending the title will require patience and precision, while Congo’s spirited display proved they are more than capable of unsettling the tournament’s heavyweights.

John Kusolo John Kusolo is a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. Journalist: He works for Nile Chronicles News, NCN. Passion: Known for his dedication to his work and strong motivation. Ambitious: He sets goals for himself and strives to achieve them. Enjoys challenges: He thrives in challenging situations.