12/27/25 01:49:00
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12/27 13:47 CST Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye stars as Senegal draws 1-1 with Congo in
Africa Cup
Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye stars as Senegal draws 1-1 with Congo in Africa Cup
By CIARAN FAHEY
AP Sports Writer
RABAT, Morocco (AP) --- Senegal has a new star.
The 17-year-old French-born Ibrahim Mbaye rejuvenated his team and provided the
impetus for Sadio Man to score in a 1-1 draw with Congo in the Africa Cup of
Nations on Saturday.
Senegal dominated possession and chances with Nicolas Jackson and Man again
missing good opportunities, as they did in the opening win against Botswana.
Cdric Bakambu pounced on the rebound to open the scoring for Congo in the 61st
after douard Mendy had saved Tho Bongonda's initial shot.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw reacted by sending on Mbaye and the 17-year-old made
an immediate impact, though not before Bongonda could have made it 2-0 on a
break.
Mbaye ran at the Congolese defenders and had an effort saved by goalkeeper
Lionel Mpasi, with Man tucking away the rebound to level in the 69th.
"We are not completely unhappy as the AFCON is always tough," Man said. "It
was a tough match and in this competition you cannot underrate any team."
Mbaye was left free when Congo defender Arthur Masuaku pulled up with what
looked like an Achilles injury. Masuaku was unable to continue, but Mbaye, who
plays for Paris Saint-Germain, could get more opportunities to shine against
Benin in Senegal's final group game.
Earlier, Yohan Roche's first-half strike was enough for Benin to beat Botswana
1-0 for its first ever Africa Cup win.
"It is a source of immense pride," Roche said. "We were aware of the people's
expectations, and we managed to stay focused."
After two games, Senegal leads Group D with four points, ahead of Congo on goal
difference, with Benin third on three, followed by Botswana with none.
The top two progress automatically to the last 16, along with the best
third-place finishers.
East Africa derby
Uganda and Tanzania -- two of the three co-hosts of the next tournament with
Kenya -- drew 1-1 in a frenetic early Group C game, a result that does little
for either after opening losses.
Uganda's Allan Okello missed the chance to win the game when he struck a
penalty well over in stoppage time, after a rain deluge had drenched the
players and sent fans scampering for cover.
Tanzania's Simon Msuva put the Taifa Stars ahead with a penalty early in the
second half, then Uche Ikpeazu equalized with a diving header late, just three
minutes after going on as a substitute. That goal prompted the heavens to open,
adding to the chaos of the final minutes as both sides pushed for a win to
boost their hopes of progress.
Nigeria was playing Tunisia later in the same group.
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AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
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