Tournament heavyweights Senegal will lock horns with Benin on Tuesday at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier as Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its conclusion. Both teams head into the final round of group matches with strong chances of progressing to the knockout stage.
Benin come into the encounter in high spirits after recording a historic 1–0 win over Botswana on Saturday. That victory was special, as it marked the first AFCON win in the country’s history. Senegal, meanwhile, have already secured qualification after earning four points from their opening two matches.
For Benin, this AFCON campaign has been one of breakthrough moments and growing confidence. Before this tournament, the Cheetahs had never won a match at the AFCON finals since their debut in 2004. That long wait finally ended on December 27 when Yohan Roche scored the winning goal against Botswana.
Benin began their Group D journey with a narrow 1–0 loss to DR Congo, a match decided by an early strike from Theo Bongonda. Despite the setback, the victory over Botswana revived their hopes and keeps them firmly in the race for a place in the last 16 ahead of their showdown with Senegal.
Head coach Gernot Rohr will be encouraged by his team’s discipline and fighting spirit so far in Morocco. Against a vastly experienced Senegal side, maintaining tactical shape and consistency will be crucial for Benin.
Recent results suggest Benin are steadily improving at the continental level. In their last six matches across all competitions, they have recorded three wins and three defeats, scoring six goals and conceding eight. Wins against Lesotho and Rwanda show their potential, although losses to Nigeria, Burkina Faso and DR Congo underline the challenge they face.
Historically, Benin have found Senegal difficult opponents. They have managed just one victory in their head-to-head history, which dates back to 1961, along with two draws and seven defeats.
Senegal, on the other hand, are living up to their status as title contenders. The 2021 AFCON champions began their campaign with a convincing 3–0 victory over Botswana, with Nicolas Jackson scoring twice. They followed that up with a 1–1 draw against DR Congo, where Sadio Mane scored the equaliser after Senegal conceded early.
Those performances have showcased Senegal’s strength at both ends of the pitch, combining attacking firepower with defensive solidity. Their squad is packed with experience, including Mane, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, defender Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Idrissa Gueye.
Head coach Pape Thiaw will be aiming for a strong performance to seal top spot in Group D and build momentum heading into the knockout stages. Efficiency in front of goal and control of the game will be key targets.
Senegal’s recent form has been impressive. They have lost only once in their last eight matches across all competitions, winning six and drawing one. In that run, they have scored 26 goals and conceded just five, with their only scoreless outing coming in a friendly defeat to Brazil.
Possible line-ups
Benin:
Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tidjani, Roche; D’Almeida, Dodo, Imourane, Tosin, Olaitan; Mounie
Senegal:
Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, Ndiaye; Ismaila Sarr, Mane, Jackson
