AFCON 2025: VAR plays key role as DR Congo beat former Super Eagles’ coach

The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a vital 1-0 win over the former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr's team, Benin in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener.

The games played in Rabat, in a match defined by intensity, physical battles, and a decisive VAR intervention.

In the early stages, Theo Bongonda found the back of the net for the Leopards after a well-worked move, finishing confidently from an assist provided by Arthur Masuaku.

The early goal gave Congo DR control and allowed them to dictate the tempo for much of the first half.

Despite Congo DR’s dominance in possession, Rohr's side continued to search for the levelled with their best chance of the first half coming just before halftime when Hassane found space on the edge of the area, only to send his effort narrowly over the crossbar.

That missed opportunity proved costly, as Congo DR went into the break holding onto their slender advantage.

The second half began with renewed urgency from both sides. Congo DR thought they had doubled their lead when Cédric Bakambu powered home a header.

However, a VAR review overturned the goal for offside.

As Benin pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Congo DR adopted a more pragmatic approach.