Africa Cup of Nations: Congo beat Benin as Nicolas Jackson bags brace for Senegal

Benin are making their fifth appearance at the finals, but are still to win a match with five draws and 10 defeats since their 2004 debut.

SAINT NIC: Nicolas Jackson celebrates after scoring during the Africa Cup of Nations group D soccer match between Senegal and Botswana in Tangier, Morocco. Pic: AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy.

The Democratic Republic of Congo got their Africa Cup of Nations finals campaign off to a winning start on Tuesday with a dominant performance against Benin, although they only won Group D’s opening game 1-0.

Theo Bongonda netted the goal in the 16th minute, letting a long pass from defence bounce and reacting quickest as the Benin defence hesitated to volley the ball into the net.