DR Congo denied Benin back-to-back wins in the 2022 World Cup Group J qualifiers after the sides played to a 1-1 draw on Monday evening.
In the wake of the stalemate, Benin now occupy second spot in the group with two point, with Tanzania and Madagascar going head to head in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday evening.
DR Congo almost snatched the lead from a free-kick outside the six-yard area by Chadrac Akolo off a foul by Edo Kayembe, but goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé watched the effort fly over the top.
Benin began to show face on the back of their quiet start and from an awkward angle, Rodrigue Kossi looked to launch a low attempt but he was averted by Dieumerci Amale.
DR Congo broke the deadlock on the 12th minute when veteran striker Dieumerci Mbokani got on the end of Benin defenders’ error outside the box to head into an empty net.
The Squirrels looked for a quick reply through a cutback from the left-side by Steve Mounie, but Cebiou Soukou tapped narrowly wide from a promising position in the six-yard area.
Benin drew level on the 33rd minute after Jordan Adeoti met a low cross from the right-side to nod in at the back-post with Allagbe in no man’s land.
Close to half-time, Mracel Tisser and cut it back to find Aamale in the centre of the box but the striker’s first time effort was struck straight at the keeper.
Matteo Ahlvini then picked out Monie with a long range pass and the striker headed it into his path before striking an effort just wide of the far post.
Mbokani came close to extending DR Congo’s led in the 65th minute as his left footed effort from 12-yards out sailed inches wide of the upright.
DR Congo were looking to restore the lead in the closing stages however they were denied by a string of fine saves by Allagbé.
Moise Adilehou almost won it for Benin in stoppage time but the midfielder’s header from point-blank range crashed against the crossbar.
