Les Éperviers of Benin followed up a dream road victory against Madagascar with a home draw against DR Congo in FIFA World Cup qualifying on Monday, keeping the Squirrels in first place in Group J. Congolese legend Dieumerci Mbokani opened up the scoring with a powerful header in the first half before Jordan Adeoti returned the favor for the hosts later on in the opening stanza. While Benin have four points at the top of the group, the Leopards will be content to follow up a disappointing home draw against Tanzania in their opener with a point on the road.
All the action came in the first half with Benin forced to come out of their shell following an early concession in the 11th minute. The combination of Cedric Bakambu and Mbokani has already been shown to be what the Congolese pin their hopes on, and once again the attacking duo came through to give the Leopards the lead. Bakambu did well to create separation from Squirrels defender Cedric Hountondji and floated in a cross for Mbokani to crash in and head home.
However, the Benin side were not so willing to allow the Leopards to obtain a road victory on their turf, and the Squirrels scrapped an equalizer in the 33rd minute. Melvyn Doremus sent in an inswinging cross from the left flank and Jordan Adeoti lifted his tall frame above Congolese keeper Joel Kiassumbua to head the ball into an empty net.
In the end the two physically imposing teams cancelled each other out to share the points. Highlights are in the link below.
