D.R. Congo vs Senegal Prediction & Betting Tips (9 September)

The upcoming clash between D.R. Congo and Senegal in the 2026 World Championship qualifiers promises to be a riveting encounter, with both sides carrying distinct narratives into the fixture. D.R. Congo, under the stewardship of Sébastien Desabre, have shown flashes of brilliance in recent outings, including a 2-0 win over Mauritania and a hard-fought 1-0 victory against South Sudan. Their attacking line, led by Yoane Wissa of Brentford and supported by the likes of Meschak Elia and Fiston Mayele, has found rhythm, while the midfield remains anchored by the industrious Theo Bongonda. However, defensive frailties persist, particularly in goal, where Dimitry Bertaud—despite being the most experienced—has only two caps to his name.

Senegal, meanwhile, arrive with the aura of continental heavyweights. Coached by Pape Thiaw, the Lions of Teranga boast a squad brimming with talent and depth. Though Sadio Mané is sidelined, the team still features stalwarts like Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Matar Sarr, and Édouard Mendy. Their recent form has been formidable, with a 4-0 demolition of South Sudan and a gritty draw against Togo. Senegal’s defensive record is particularly impressive, conceding just 0.3 goals per match on average, and they remain unbeaten in their last nine fixtures. Yet, their attacking transitions have occasionally lacked sharpness, especially in away games where they’ve struggled to convert dominance into goals.

What makes this matchup intriguing is the contrast in styles. D.R. Congo tend to thrive on home soil, often keeping games tight and relying on bursts of individual brilliance. Their recent run of four wins in five matches suggests a team growing in confidence. Senegal, on the other hand, are methodical and disciplined, but have shown vulnerability in high-pressure away fixtures. The tactical battle between Desabre’s fluid 4-3-3 and Thiaw’s compact 4-2-3-1 could be decisive, especially in midfield where control will be paramount. Expect D.R. Congo to press early and exploit Senegal’s occasional lapses in defensive shape.

Despite Senegal’s statistical edge and deeper squad, the prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for D.R. Congo. The Leopards’ home advantage, coupled with their recent scoring form and Senegal’s slight dip in away efficiency, sets the stage for a narrow but impactful win. Wissa’s pace and finishing could be the difference-maker, while Bongonda’s creativity might unlock Senegal’s backline. For Senegal, Koulibaly’s leadership and Mendy’s reflexes will be tested, but the absence of Mané could blunt their attacking edge just enough to tip the balance.

• Summary: DR Congo is going head to head with Senegal starting on 9 Sept 2025 at 16:00 UTC at Stade des Martyrs stadium, Kinshasa city, DR Congo. The match is a part of the FIFA World Cup, Qualification CAF, Group B .