AFCON 2025: VAR penalizes Benin against DR Congo

23.12.25 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

DR Congo

1

:

Benin

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Benin may come to rue their defeat against DR Congo on Tuesday in their opening match of AFCON 2025, with the blame falling squarely on a malfunctioning VAR.

On Tuesday, the clash between DR Congo and Benin (1-0) kicked off the first of four matches on the day at this year’s AFCON. While the Leopards continued their impressive recent run by edging out the Squirrels, it was VAR that truly stole the spotlight in this encounter.

In the second half, VAR was unavailable for around fifteen minutes. During this spell—punctuated by several stoppages as the referee communicated with his assistants—a penalty could have been awarded to Benin for a Chancel Mbemba handball inside the box. This sequence left Benin’s players fuming, infuriated by the absence of VAR at such a crucial moment.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

DR Congo

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations