CAN 2025 is experiencing its first incident. During DR Congo’s 1-0 victory against Benin, the VAR broke down, depriving the Beninese of a crucial intervention.
DR Congo launched its campaign in Group D of the CAN with a 1-0 victory against Benin on Tuesday at the Al Medina stadium in Rabat. The Leopards quickly took control of the ball and, after several chances, it was Bongonda who opened the scoring in the 16th minute, taking advantage of the generosity of the Beninese defense to deceive the goalkeeper with a sharp left.
Benin tried to react on several occasions, notably from set pieces. Dodo Dokou was dangerous with a free kick in the 25th minute, before missing just after an attempt at the edge of the area. The DRC, solid on the counter, also came close to a double by Bongonda, but his shot was blocked by the opposing defense.
In the second half, Benin seemed more enterprising and pushed to come back to the score. In the 65th minute, Ouorou almost equalized with a tense free kick. Despite Beninese domination at times, the DRC retained its advantage thanks to its defensive solidity and its Le Havre goalkeeper Mpasi-Nzau, who was decisive on several occasions at the end of the match.
VAR breaks down
The match was marked by a first notable hiccup for the CAN. The VAR broke down in the 60th minute. On a handball from Chancel Mbemba in the Congolese area, the Beninese demanded a penalty, but the referee had to announce that the video assistance was no longer working. This breakdown created a moment of uncertainty and deprived Benin of a crucial intervention which could have changed the shape of the match.
After several minutes of confusion and technical adjustments, VAR was finally restored in the 74th minute. The DRC, better organized, took advantage of this resurgence to increase attacks in the Beninese area, securing its 1-0 victory and temporarily taking the lead in Group D, pending the Senegal-Botswana match.
