2025 Africa Cup of Nations Wrap: FC Copenhagen star Elias Achouri shines as Tunisia beat Uganda to overtake Nigeria

The Democratic Republic of Congo began their Africa Cup of Nations journey with a slim 1-0 win over Benin at the Al Barid Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Powered by their stars that play in the English Premier League, Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, DR Congo broke the deadlock in the 16th minute. With an assist from Masuaku, Theo Bongonda found the back of the net, and Benin could not recover from that early first-half setback.

Meanwhile, Cedric Bakambu's header was ruled out for an offside after a long VAR assessment.

Benin's first shot on target was registered by Romaric Amoussou in the 65th minute. 

Saturnin Allagbe, the only player who was part of the squad that posted Benin's best-ever run in an AFCON competition by reaching the quarter-finals, made a critical save to deny Bakambu late in the second half.

Due to problems with the referee's communications equipment in the second half, 10 minutes were added after regulation time.

The Leopards now top their group, but things might change after the conclusion of the other match involving former champions Senegal and COSAFA nation Botswana.

Nicolas Jackson struck a brace as Senegal defeated Botswana 3-0 in a Group D match at Grande Stade de Tanger on Tuesday.

The Bayern Munich forward, on loan from Chelsea, broke the deadlock with five minutes to halftime before he doubled the Teranga Lions' advantage and sealed his double in the 58th minute.

Cherif Ndiaye then threw the contest beyond the Zebras' reach with the third goal for Senegal right at the death.  

It was a bright start to the tournament by Senegal against Botswana who are making only their second appearance at AFCON.

Tuesday's result saw the West Africans removing DR Congo from the top of the table after the Leopards had temporarily taken the lead after edging Benin 1-0 earlier in the day.

Senegal's victory was the biggest scoreline of this tournament edition so far.

Tunisia opened their Africa Cup of Nations finals with a commanding 3-1 win over Uganda on Tuesday at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah.

The Carthage Eagles broke the deadlock in the 10th minute through Ellyes Skhiri's header from a corner.

Copenhagen forward Elias Achouri struck the second for the North Africans in the 40th minute before he grabbed his brace in the 64th minute.

The Uganda Cranes grabbed a consolation strike inside added time when Denis Omedi found the back of the net to deny Tunisia an opening clean sheet.

The win places Tunisia at the top of Group C courtesy of a superior goal difference to Nigeria. The Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their respective game.