Benin's Africa Cup of Nations campaign began in bitter frustration on Saturday after a crucial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) failure overshadowed their narrow 1-0 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Early Error Proves Costly for Benin
The decisive moment in the Group D opener came early, as DR Congo's Theo Bongonda capitalised on a defensive mistake. Benin defender Yohan Roche misjudged a long ball from Arthur Masuaku, allowing the Spartak Moscow winger to seize possession. Bongonda then displayed impressive composure to fire a first-time volley from ten yards past goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe, finding the bottom right corner.
The Congolese thought they had doubled their lead shortly after half-time through Cedric Bakambu. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the Real Betis forward's close-range header was correctly ruled out for offside in the build-up, confirming the system was initially operational.
Late Controversy and Technical Failure
The match's major controversy erupted late in the game. A cross into the DR Congo penalty area appeared to strike the arm of captain Chancel Mbemba, the former Newcastle United defender. Benin's players and bench immediately appealed for a penalty.
Replays proved inconclusive, showing the ball may have made contact with Mbemba's arm or shoulder. Crucially, referee Abongile Tom was unable to review the incident at the pitchside monitor. Match officials later confirmed a VAR system malfunction had prevented any check from taking place, leaving the potential handball unassessed and the Benin camp incensed.
Post-Match Reaction and Looking Ahead
A visibly disappointed Benin head coach, Gernot Rohr, addressed journalists after the final whistle. "We witnessed a very good football match that did not deserve a loser," Rohr stated. "My team made me proud. We will now prepare well for the match against Botswana, with the advantage of having our suspended players back."
Benin must now regroup for their next fixture on Saturday against Botswana, who lost their opening game 3-0 to Senegal. Meanwhile, the VAR system was reported to be functioning normally later in the day during Burkina Faso's match against Equatorial Guinea, where it was used to upgrade a yellow card to a red for a dangerous challenge.
