Senegal Vs Congo Results: Full Match Report and Highlights
Match overview
The highly anticipated encounter between Senegal and Congo took place on Saturday, 22 June 2026 at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar. Both teams entered the match with differing objectives: Senegal aimed to maintain its position at the top of Group B in the African Nations Cup qualifiers, while Congo sought a vital away victory to boost its chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Final score and key moments
The game ended with a 2‑1 victory for Senegal. The decisive moments are summarized below:
- 12th minute – Goal for Senegal: Forward Ismaïla Diop opened the scoring with a low header from a corner delivered by midfielder Cheikhou Dieng.
- 34th minute – Equaliser for Congo: Striker Jean‑Michel Bongo restored balance after receiving a precise pass from winger Romain Mbemba, blasting the ball into the top corner.
- 71st minute – Winning goal: Senegal’s captain, centre‑back Kalidou Koulibaly, surged forward on a set‑piece and headed home a corner from Aliou Cissé, sealing the win.
Goal summary
- Ismaïla Diop (Senegal) – 12′
- Jean‑Michel Bongo (Congo) – 34′
- Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) – 71′
Key players
Both sides featured standout performers:
- Senegal: Kalidou Koulibaly (defensive leadership and decisive goal), Ismaïla Diop (clinical finishing), Cheikhou Dieng (creative midfield play).
- Congo: Jean‑Michel Bongo (sharpness in the box), Romain Mbemba (speed on the flanks), Fabrice Mbenza (solid defensive work).
Tactical analysis
Senegal employed a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, focusing on possession and high pressing. The midfield duo of Dieng and Abdoulaye Ba controlled the tempo, allowing the wingers to exploit space on the counter‑attack. Congo, on the other hand, set up in a 4‑3‑3 shape, emphasizing quick transitions. Their midfield trio struggled to contain Senegal’s pressing, which ultimately led to
