Senegal saw off Benin on Tuesday to go through to the last 16 of the AFCON as winners of Group D, leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo to settle for second place which means they will play Algeria in a heavyweight tie in the next round.
Sadio Mane’s Senegal, African champions in 2022, came into the final round of group games needing to beat Benin in Tangier and hope that their Congolese rivals did not manage to move above them on goal difference.
Senegal ran out 3-0 winners against Benin, with Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo scoring before skipper Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off in the second half. Cherif Ndiaye then added a late penalty.
DR Congo beat already-eliminated Botswana 3-0 at the same time in Rabat, meaning the leading duo both finished with seven points from three games but Pape Thiaw’s Senegal topped the section by a difference of two goals.
As a result, Senegal have a far kinder path in the knockout phase and will remain in Tangier for a last-16 tie on Saturday against the third-place finisher in Group E.
That will be either Burkina Faso or Sudan, who play each other in Casablanca on Wednesday.
AFCON last 16 line-up
Africa Cup of Nations last 16 line-up in Morocco (all times GMT):
Jan 3, Saturday
In Tangiers
Senegal v 3rd Group E (1600)
In Casablanca
Mali v Tunisia (1900)
Jan 4, Sunday
In Rabat
Morocco v Tanzania (1600)
In Rabat
South Africa v 2nd Group F (1900)
Jan 5, Monday
In Agadir
Egypt v Benin (1600)
In Fes
Nigeria v 3rd Group F (1900)
Jan 6. Tuesday
In Rabat
Algeria v Democratic Republic of Congo (1600)
In Marrakesh
1st Group F v 2nd Group E (1900)
Notes
— Line-up will be complete after final group games on December 31
— Drawn matches after regular time go to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout
— Winners qualify for quarter-finals on Jan 9-10