The 'Teranga Lions' were the giantkillers of the previoius finals in Japan and South Korea two years ago, stunning defending champions France en route to becoming only the second African nation to reach the quarter-finals.

But they lined up against Congo without suspended striker El-Hadji Diouf and talismanic midfielder Khalilou Fadiga, who has not fully recovered from heart surgery.

Victory was essential for French coach Guy Stephan, fired by the national football federation after losing to hosts Tunisia in a stormy 2004 African Nations Cup quarter-final.

Stephan, who succeeded World Cup hero and compatriot Bruno Metsu, received a stay of execution because the sports ministry contributes to his salary and did not support the move.

A man with a frown on his face at the best of times, Stephan endured 58 anxious minutes as only Henri Camara from English Division One club Wolves threatened to break the deadlock.

Several early second half corners bore no fruit either and it was left to France-based defender Lamine Diatta to show the strike force how it is done as he scored with 58 minutes gone.

The goal that sealed success came after 77 minutes from Moussa Ndiaye, one of many Lions who play professionally in France, and a Congolese side geared to defend never seriously threatened to hit back.

Senegal lead Group 1 on goal difference from Zambia, who trumped Togo 1-0 in Lusaka thanks to an early goal from Jacob Mulenga, one of several Olympic squad members elevated to the senior team.