Defending champions Senegal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against a determined Congo side in their second Group D fixture at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 in Zanzibar.
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.
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.
