Abuja (Nigeria): Senegal staged a dramatic comeback to defeat DR Congo 3-2 in Kinshasa on Tuesday, taking control of Group B in the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers.
The hosts led 2-0 through early goals from Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, capitalising on a handling error by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Pape Gueye pulled one back with a powerful strike before Nicolas Jackson levelled from a rebound before half-time.
Pape Matar Sarr scored the winner three minutes from time, sealing all three points for the Teranga Lions.
Senegal now top the group ahead of October’s fixtures against South Sudan and Mauritania.
DR Congo, now second, face Togo and Sudan in must-win matches to stay in contention.
In Praia, Cape Verde beat Cameroon 1-0 to move four points clear at the top of Group D with two games remaining.
The only goal came early in the second half, as Tino Livramento sprinted from his own half and fired low past André Onana.
Cape Verde had earlier threatened through Jovane Cabral, while Onana saved well from Livramento in the opening stages.
Cameroon went close just before the break, but Vozinha denied Zambo Anguissa with a fine save.
Carlos Baleba twice tested Vozinha late on, and Onana came up for a last-minute set-piece, but Cape Verde held firm.
The result marks Cameroon’s first defeat under coach Marc Brys, leaving them battling for second place. Libya remain in the mix.