DR Congo vs Senegal Prediction: A tough one with both teams expected to find the net

DR Congo vs Senegal: Prediction for the Match on September 09, 2025

DR Congo and Senegal square off at the Stade des Martyrs on Tuesday in what promises to be a blockbuster clash in round 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This one feels like the ultimate Group B decider; just a single point separates the two sides. DR Congo sits on top with 16 points, while Senegal trails closely behind them with 15.

For DR Congo, the task is simple but quite complicated: avoid defeat, and they’ll most likely finish as Group B leaders, sealing direct qualification to the World Cup. Senegal, meanwhile, will throw everything forward, knowing only a win guarantees them control of the group. With so much on the line, we expect a cagey, tactical affair rather than a goal fest. This could be one of those games where one moment of brilliance decides everything. We see a very tough game here with little or no goals at all. Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available. 

DR Congo: Form and Statistics

FIFA World Ranking: #61

DR Congo eased past South Sudan in their last game, putting four goals past the Sudanese with Cedric Bakambu scoring a brace. The victory should be celebrated, but not worth losing sleep over, as South Sudan is the poorest side in Group B. Cedric Bakambu took the game by its neck with a goal in the 13th minute before scoring again and doubling the lead in the 36th minute. Nathanael Mbuku scored the third goal in the last minute of the first half, and Yoane Wissa scored DR Congo’s last goal of the game. 

DR Congo might just be well on their way to the World Cup if they secure a victory against Senegal on Tuesday and maintain the momentum across their remaining two games. Their first leg-encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, and DR Congo have since kept a good winning streak. DR Congo may be riding high on momentum, but they still carry the light burden of never defeating Senegal since 1968 on their shoulders. The teams have locked horns seven times in all competitions since then, with Senegal winning five and drawing two.

DR Congo: Team News

DR Congo: Possible Lineup

Former Manchester United and current West Ham Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his long-awaited debut for DR Congo in Friday’s 1-4 win against South Sudan, and we still expect his masterclass on Tuesday. This time, he could potentially be up against Senegal’s Sadio Mane. The team’s trio, consisting of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, Real Betis forward Cedric Bakambu, and Montpellier’s Nathanael Mbuku, all scored against South Sudan, and the trio will be hoping to carry this momentum into the game against Senegal.

🔖 DR Congo (4-3-3)

Dimitry Bertaud— Kayembe Ditu, Dylan Batubinsika, Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, — Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, — Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, Nathanael Mbuku. 

👤 Head coach: Sebastien Desabre 

Senegal: Form and Statistics

FIFA World Ranking: #16

Senegal will head into this game with momentum following their 2-0 victory against Sudan. The Teranga Lions eased past Sudan last week with Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr scoring in the first half. The Teranga Lions are aware of their current disposition and how important a positive result in this game is for them. Anything less than a win could put their direct qualification hopes in Jeopardy, with just two games left to play afterwards. 

Pape Thiaw’s Egypt has been incredible all through the World Cup qualifiers, remaining unbeaten with four victories and three draws from the 7 qualifier games played. They have scored a total of 10 goals and conceded just one, which was against DR Congo in the first leg. Their defense faces a tough task on Tuesday against DR Congo’s amazing forwards.

Senegal: Team News

Senegal: Possible Lineup

Pape Thiaw will be happy with Sadio Mane’s return after missing the June set of games due to injury. Sadio Mane played the full match in their 2-0 victory against Sudan, and Pape Thiaw will definitely have high hopes for the Al-Nassr forward. Nicolas Jackson came on in the 83rd minute against Sudan, but we are expecting him to start this game, as more is expected from him against DR Congo. 

🔖Senegal Potential Starting Lineup (4-3-3)

Edouard Mendy, — Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf — Pape Matar Sarr, Habib Diarra, Pape Gueye, — Iliman Ndiaye, Boulaye Dia, Sadio Mane.

👤Head coach: Pape Thiaw

DR Congo vs Senegal: Head-To-Head Statistics

The teams have met on 6 previous occasions, with Egypt unbeaten in those meetings. Egypt has secured five wins with one draw.

DR Congo vs Senegal: Betting Tips & Odds

• No losses for Senegal in their last seven meetings, and this option for Senegal to win or draw this game is offered on the Betway bookmaker website for 1.31 odds;
• Some Betway experts believe that DR Congo stands a chance because of their current form and impressive forwards. The option for DR Congo to win is offered on the Betway bookmaker website for 3.15 odds;
• Their first leg ended with both teams scoring, and the option is offered on the 1xbet bookmaker website for 2.09 odds;

DR Congo vs Senegal match prediction 09 September 2025

For DR Congo, everything is on the line, and history is calling. They haven’t beaten Senegal since 1968, and Tuesday could be their golden chance to finally break that streak. The Leopards have been nothing short of dominant at home throughout the qualifiers, turning the Stade des Martyrs into a real fortress.

But make no mistake, Senegal isn’t going to make it easy. Their rock-solid defense has frustrated many teams, and it could prove to be the biggest obstacle to DR Congo’s attack. Both sides are stacked with quality forwards, playing in some of the top leagues across Europe and Asia, which means we should be in for a tight, high-level contest. I see both teams finding the net, but in the end, the points may well be shared. A draw feels like the most likely outcome here.

Our match prediction: Draw or BTTS, for a coefficient of 1.65 in the 1xBet bookmaker. 

Our betting tip on the match: A first-half draw for 1.95 in the Betway bookmaker.

Lastly: Both teams to score at 2.09 odds in the Bet365 bookmaker.