CAN 2025 / RDC - Bénin : Polémique sur un penalty non accordé au Bénin, la VAR est tombée en panne
An incredible scenario unfolded as Group D entered the fray on Tuesday. While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) secured three points against Benin (1-0), the match was marred by a major technical incident: a failure of the video assistant referee system at the very moment the Cheetahs were appealing for a clear penalty.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, third in the last edition and on the rise, has provisionally taken the lead in its group. But this narrow victory is likely to generate a lot of discussion, given how much luck seemed to conspire against the Beninese.
The scandal's action: Mbemba's hand
Everything changed an hour into the game. From a well-struck Benin free kick on the right flank, Congolese captain Chancel Mbemba rose into the air. The replays were conclusive: the defender handled the ball in his own penalty area. While the Cheetahs celebrated wildly, awaiting the referee's whistle, Mr. Abongile Tom remained impassive.
What followed was a surreal scene of confusion. The Beninese players surrounded the South African official, convinced that VAR would restore justice.
"Sorry, VAR is no longer working."
Against all expectations, the referee did not go to his screen. After several trips back and forth to his fourth official and lengthy discussions with a CAF delegate, the verdict came down, relayed by the broadcaster beIN Sports: the video assistance system was malfunctioning.
The referee calls the two captains to the center of the circle to deliver the incredible news: the match must continue without technological assistance. Disastrous timing for Benin, who are deprived of a clear opportunity to equalize at 1-1.
The ordeal for the Beninese didn't end there. In the 78th minute, another suspicious contact in the Congolese penalty area could have warranted a VAR review, but without VAR and with an inflexible referee, play continued. Despite ten minutes of added time and constant pressure on the Leopards' goal, the score remained unchanged.
Thanks to this 1-0 victory, the DRC takes the lead in Group D ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Senegal and Botswana. For Benin, this opening defeat leaves a bitter taste of injustice.
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