Congo DR, already assured of a place in the knockout stages, will face Botswana in their final Group D match at the Al Barid Stadium on Tuesday.
After collecting four points from their opening two matches, Congo DR have comfortably secured progression to the Round of 16. In contrast, Botswana’s campaign has been less successful, with two defeats condemning them to an early exit. This sets up a final group game with very different objectives for each team.
Congo DR entered the tournament as one of the more intriguing dark horses and have reinforced their reputation with a win and a draw so far. Coach Sebastien Desabre’s side started strongly against Benin on 23 December, thanks to Theo Bongonda’s early strike in the 16th minute, claiming a hard-fought victory.
Their second match saw them draw 1-1 with 2021 champions Senegal. Cedric Bakambu had given Les Léopards the lead in the 61st minute, but Sadio Mane’s equalizer in the 69th minute ensured the match ended all square, halting Congo DR’s six-game winning streak. Still, the result was enough to secure their place in the knockout rounds for the fifth time in six tournaments, having missed the 2021 edition.
Congo DR will now aim to top their group for the first time since 2017, facing Botswana in what will be only the third meeting between the two sides. Their previous encounters ended with one win apiece.
For Botswana, the task is far more daunting. Ranked lowest among the 24 teams competing in Morocco, the Zebras were immediately tested upon their return to AFCON. They suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Senegal in their opener, followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin. This confirmed Botswana as the first team to be mathematically eliminated from the group stage.
Despite their struggles, Botswana will look to end their tournament on a high. A win in Rabat would provide a rare boost, as the team has not tasted victory in nine games since beating Somalia 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in March. To mount any upset, Botswana must start aggressively, particularly given they have conceded first in five of their last seven games. However, they will face a Congo DR team that has scored first in eight of their last nine matches, making the challenge even tougher.
Probable Lineups
Botswana: Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa; Ratshukudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho
Congo DR: M’Pasi; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bongonda, Bakambu
