The Democratic Republic of the Congo began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 win over Benin in a Group F fixture on December 23, 2025. A solitary goal was enough to separate the two sides in a match where chances were at a premium. The Leopards scored the decisive goal early in the second half following a sustained period of pressure. Benin defended resolutely for much of the game but offered little threat going forward, allowing the Congolese to see out the match comfortably. The three points gave DR Congo an ideal start in a group also containing Senegal, immediately applying pressure on their rivals. Benin's focus shifted to their next match as they sought their first points of the tournament.