The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues in Morocco today, Saturday, December 27, 2025, as the "Cheetahs" of Benin face the "Zebras" of Botswana at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah (Olympic Annex) in Rabat.
After both teams suffered defeats in their Group D openers, this match is a "must-win" for both nations to keep their knockout stage dreams alive. For Benin, it's about breaking a long-standing AFCON winless curse; for Botswana, it's about proving they belong on Africa’s biggest stage.
Matchday 1 Recap: Defensive Grit vs. Trial by Fire
Benin 0–1 DR Congo
Benin showed significant structural discipline in their opener but ultimately fell to a 16th-minute strike by Theo Bongonda. Despite dominating possession (60%) and creating several half-chances late in the game, Gernot Rohr’s men were unable to find the equalizer. It was their 15th consecutive AFCON finals match without a win, a record they are desperate to end tonight.
Botswana 0–3 Senegal
Botswana faced the ultimate test against a powerhouse Senegal side. While the 3-0 scoreline suggests a blowout, it could have been much worse if not for the heroics of goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, who made a staggering 14 saves—the most by any goalkeeper in an AFCON match since 2010. Botswana struggled to register a single shot on target, highlighting their need for more attacking intent today.
Tactical Breakdown: Returning Stars vs. The Brick Wall
Benin’s Reinforcements
The big story for Benin is the return of several key players from suspension.
The Return of the Captain: Steve Mounié is back and expected to lead the line, providing the physical presence they lacked against DR Congo.
Midfield Creativity: Junior Olaitan and Andreas Hountondji also return, offering Gernot Rohr much-needed variety in the final third.
Tactical Approach: Expect Benin to maintain their 4-2-3-1 formation but play with a much higher line, looking to overwhelm Botswana early with their veteran experience.
Botswana’s Counter-Punching
Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli knows his team cannot afford to spend 90 minutes under siege again.
The Phoko Factor: Goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko is currently the highest-rated player in the tournament according to statistical models. Botswana will rely on him to keep them in the game while they look for a single moment on the break.
Tactical Approach: Expect a very compact 4-5-1 block. The priority will be closing down the wings to prevent crosses to Mounié, while looking for Kabelo Seakanyeng to use his pace in transition.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Benin Team News
With four key players returning from suspension, Gernot Rohr has a "selection headache" in the best possible way. Marcel Dandjinou is a slight doubt in goal, but Saturnin Allagbé is a more than capable replacement.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Allagbé; Moumini, Verdon, Roche, Ouorou; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Olaitan, Aloko; Mounié.
Botswana Team News
Botswana has a clean bill of health following the physical battle with Senegal. The main tactical question is whether to play Omaatla Kebatho as a lone striker or bring in Thatayaone Ditlhokwe for even more defensive solidity.
Predicted XI (4-5-1): Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Seakanyeng, Mohutsiwa, Ditsele, Cooper, Orebonye; Kebatho.
Head-to-Head: A Historic First
Surprisingly, this is the first-ever competitive meeting between Benin and Botswana.
Benin's Record: They are the second team in history (after Mozambique) to fail to win any of their first 15 AFCON matches.
Botswana's Record: They have lost all four of their AFCON matches across their two appearances (2012 and 2025).
Goal Drought: Benin has failed to score in six of their last eight AFCON games.
Key Matchups to Watch
Steve Mounié vs. Mosha Gaolaolwe: Mounié’s aerial dominance is his greatest weapon. Gaolaolwe will need to be perfect in his positioning to prevent the Augsburg striker from bullying the defense.
Jodel Dossou vs. Mothusi Johnson: Dossou is the "engine" of Benin’s attack. His pace and delivery from the right will test Johnson's discipline.
Goitseone Phoko vs. Benin’s Profligacy: Can Phoko maintain his superhuman form? If Benin continues to struggle with finishing, Phoko could single-handedly earn Botswana their first-ever AFCON point.
Match Prediction: The Cheetahs Find Their Groove
While Botswana’s goalkeeper is in the form of his life, the return of Steve Mounié and Junior Olaitan gives Benin a level of quality that the Zebras might struggle to contain for the full 90 minutes. Benin’s experience and desperate need to end their winless streak should see them over the line in a tight, low-scoring affair.
Final Score Prediction: Benin 1–0 Botswana
