Several teams sealed their places in the knockout stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations as the group phase continued on Tuesday, with Senegal, DR Congo, Tanzania and Nigeria all producing decisive performances.
Senegal reaffirmed their title credentials with a convincing 3–0 win over Benin in their final Group D match in Tangiers.
The Teranga Lions took the lead in the 38th minute when Abdoulaye Seck rose highest to head home a Krépin Diatta set piece. Despite increased pressure from Benin after the break, Senegal doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute as Sadio Mané set up Habib Diallo for a close-range finish.
Senegal were reduced to ten men in the 71st minute after captain Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off following a VAR review, but they held firm. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye sealed the win deep into stoppage time, converting a penalty in the 97th minute.
The result saw Senegal finish top of Group D, while Benin progressed to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
DR Congo secured second place in Group D with a dominant 3–0 victory over Botswana in Rabat, led by an outstanding display from Gaël Kakuta.
Nathaniel Mbuku opened the scoring in the 31st minute after a clever backheel assist from Kakuta. The playmaker then doubled the lead from the penalty spot just before halftime following a VAR-confirmed handball.
Kakuta completed his brace on the hour mark, calmly finishing Theo Bongonda’s cross to cap a commanding performance. DR Congo now face Algeria in the Round of 16.
Tanzania made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time after holding Tunisia to a 1–1 draw in Rabat.
Tunisia took the lead just before halftime through Ismael Gharbi, who converted a penalty after a VAR review. Tanzania responded after the break, with Feisal Salum curling home an equaliser in the 54th minute.
The result ensured Tunisia finished second in the group, while Tanzania advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
Nigeria wrapped up a perfect Group C campaign with a 3–1 win over Uganda in Fès to finish top of the group.
Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 28th minute after sustained pressure from the Super Eagles. Uganda’s task became more difficult when Salim Magoola was sent off for handball early in the second half.
Raphael Onyedika took full advantage, scoring twice in five minutes to put Nigeria firmly in control. Uganda pulled one back through Rogers Mato, but Nigeria comfortably saw out the match to maintain their unbeaten run.
The Super Eagles ended the group stage with three wins from three matches, while Uganda exited the competition.
