Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Tuesday, December 30, 2025, 11:30 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, December 30, 2025 11:49 p.m.
Senegal and the Democratic Republic Congo secured their place in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Beninscore 3-0, respectively Botswana score 3-0, in the last match of the group stage.
Yohan Roche, the player from Petrolul Ploiesti, played for Benin, while David Kiki from FCSB was on the bench. Although they lost, Benin reached the round of 16.
Yohan Roche and David Kiki, in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations
The Senegalese opened the scoring through Seck in the 38th minute. In the 62nd minute, Sadio Mane passed to Diallo, who made it 2-0. Things got a little complicated for the visitors as in the 71st minute, Diallo left his side with ten men. However, the third goal came after a penalty kick converted by Ndiaye.
The defender from Petrolul Ploiești, Yohan Roche, played for Benin. FCSB player David Kiki was on the bench.
Meanwhile, the DR Congo mission was easier. Ebuku scored for 0-1 in the 31st minute followed by Kakuta for 0-2 in the 41st minute and the same player set up the final score of 0-3. Moreover, Desabre's players also scored a fourth goal, which was canceled by VAR for a handball.
Nigeria and Tunisia also punched their tickets for the last eight
Nigeria secured qualification to the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Uganda 3-1 with Baba Alhassan starting for the losers. At the same time, Tunisia qualified for the knockout stages after a 1-1 draw with Tanzania.
Onuachu opened the scoring for the Nigerians in the 28th minute. The game was virtually decided in the 58th minute when Uganda goalkeeper Magoola was shown a straight red card for handballing outside the box following an attempt by Osimhen. The player sacrificed to introduce a goalkeeper was Baba Alhassan himself.
In the other group match, Tunisia and Tanzania drew 1-1, a result that sent both teams through to the next stage. The hosts took the lead in the 43rd minute through a free kick converted by Gharbi and in the 48th minute Saloum settled the final score.
