Senegal laid down a marker in Group A of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 4-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in Mohammedia.
A brace each by Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye in the first half helped the Lionesses of Teranga to the emphatic victory in their first match of this year’s competition.
Coming into the tournament with rising expectations after reaching the quarter-finals in 2022, Senegal wasted no time asserting their dominance.
The Lionesses overwhelmed DR Congo with a relentless first-half display that saw them race into a four-goal lead by the 40th minute, leaving the returning Congolese side shell-shocked.
The breakthrough came as early as the fifth minute when striker Mama Diop latched onto a through ball from Méta Kandé and rifled a powerful effort into the roof of the net from distance. It was an early blow to DR Congo’s hopes, and it set the tone for a dominant Senegalese display.
Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the advantage in the 13th minute, coolly finishing from the centre of the box after a pinpoint pass from goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.
The tempo and movement of Senegal’s attack proved too much for the Congolese backline, who struggled to contain the waves of pressure.
By the 22nd minute, Mama Diop had her second — and Senegal’s third — with a composed finish into the bottom corner, capitalising on a defensive lapse.
The fourth came just before the interval, as Ndiaye rose unmarked to head home from a Hapsatou Diallo cross, completing her brace and wrapping up a ruthless first half.
To their credit, DR Congo regrouped after the break and created several opportunities, hitting the woodwork through Flavine Mawete and forcing Senegal goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye into a string of fine saves.
Gloria Mabomba and Naomie Kabakaba also tested the keeper, but a goal eluded the Leopardesses.
Senegal eased off the gas in the second half, rotating players and managing the game comfortably as they protected their clean sheet.
The result sees them go top of Group A, ahead of Morocco and Zambia who played out a 2-2 draw in the opening game.
For DR Congo, back at WAFCON after a 12-year absence, this was a harsh reminder of the level required to compete. Their next fixture becomes a must-win if they are to keep qualification hopes alive.
Senegal, meanwhile, look every bit like quarter-final contenders once again.
