Senegal 1-1 DR Congo: Sarr scores, Mayele delivers late equalization

DR Congo fought back to hold Senegal to a 1-1 draw in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Thursday.

Match Report

The result leaves Senegal placed second in the Group B standings – two points behind leaders, Sudan who secured a 2-0 victory over Mauritania on Thursday.

DR Congo, on the other hand, are placed third in the standings – a point behind Senegal. The two teams will be in action on 9 June as Senegal take on Mauritania away, while DR Congo host Togo.

The Lions of the Teranga controlled the match from the start with Nicolas Jackson looking lively for the hosts and the Chelsea striker was closely marked by Chancel Mbemba.

Jackson was involved when the deadlock was broken in first-half stoppage time as he set up Pape Matar Sarr who beat goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud to hand Senegal a 1-0 lead heading into the half-time break.

The hosts continued to dominate possession after the restart and coach Sebastien Desabre decided to make a change in the 84th minute – introducing Fiston Mayele.

The Pyramids striker proved to be an inspired substitute as he hit the back of the net in the 85th minute – beating Edouard Mendy to ensure that the match ended in a 1-1 draw on the night.

Line-ups

Senegal XI: Gueye, Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Niakhate, Habib Diallo, Abdoulaye Seck, Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Pape Matar Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diarra

Subs: Mory Diaw, Diallo, Seny Dieng, Pape Gueye, Cherif Ndiaye, Pathé Ciss, Dion Lopy, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Formose Mendy, Mikayil Faye, Abdallah Sima, Lamine Camara

Democratic Republic of the Congo XI: Kakuta, Mbemba, Masuaku, Yoane Wissa, Moutoussamy, Charles Pickel, Samuel Essende, Dimitry Bertaud, Tuanzebe, Meschack Elia, Henoc Inonga

Subs: Théo Bongonda, Kayembe, Dylan Batubinsika, Aaron Tshibola, Gédéon Kalulu, Akolo, Grady Diangana, Rocky Bushiri, Edo Kayembe, Timothy Fayulu, Fiston Mayele, Esdras Kabamba