The AFCON 2025 group stage concludes for Group D tonight, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with a heavy-stakes encounter between Benin and Senegal.1 While the "Lions of Teranga" are on the verge of qualification, the "Cheetahs" of Benin are riding a wave of historic momentum and could pull off the shock of the tournament by knocking out one of the favorites.
The match takes place at the Grand Stade de Tanger, where a win for either side would guarantee a spot in the Round of 16.2
Match Details
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group D, Matchday 3)3
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT / 20:00 Local / 22:00 EAT4
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger (Ibn Batouta Stadium), Tangier, Morocco5
Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DRC)
Broadcast: beIN Sports / Canal+ / AfroSport TV6
Group D Scenarios: The Fight for First
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| Senegal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 4 |
| DR Congo | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| Benin | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Botswana | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -4 | 0 |
Senegal: A win or a draw guarantees qualification. A win ensures they finish 1st, provided they maintain their goal difference advantage over DR Congo.
Benin: A win sends them through automatically.7 A draw could be enough to progress as one of the four best third-placed teams, depending on results in other groups.
Current Form: Historic Highs vs. Consistent Power
Benin: The Cheetahs Find Their Claws
Under the guidance of Gernot Rohr, Benin made history last week by securing their first-ever AFCON victory in open play, a 1–0 win over Botswana thanks to a goal from defender Yohan Roche.8 After a narrow opening loss to DR Congo, the Cheetahs have shown remarkable defensive discipline, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four matches across all competitions.9
Senegal: Defending the Pride
The 2021 champions have looked clinical, sweeping aside Botswana 3–0 before being held to a tactical 1–1 draw by DR Congo.10 Sadio Mané continues to lead by example, scoring the equalizer in the last match to reach 10 career AFCON goals.11 However, the Lions of Teranga are still seeking the defensive perfection that defined their 2021 title run.
Benin Team News
Gernot Rohr is unlikely to tinker with a winning formula. Captain Steve Mounié returned from suspension in the previous match and will lead the line again.12
Key Player: Junior Olaitan.13 His ability to progress the ball from midfield will be vital against Senegal's high press
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tidjani, Roche; D'Almeida, Dodo, Imourane; Tosin, Mounié, Olaitan.14
Senegal Team News
Head coach Pape Thiaw may be forced into one change, as Ismaïla Sarr is a doubt following an ankle knock sustained against DR Congo.15
Key Player: Nicolas Jackson.16 The Chelsea forward scored twice in the opener and his movement will be the primary test for Benin’s compact backline.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Jakobs; I.17 Gueye, P. Gueye; I. Ndiaye, Mané, Mbaye; Jackson.
Tactical Analysis: Patience vs. Power
Benin’s strategy will likely be "absorb and strike." They surrendered possession against Botswana but were lethal on the counter. Rohr will task Olivier Verdon with man-marking Jackson, hoping to frustrate the Senegal attack.
Senegal, however, possesses elite squad depth. If the starting front four struggle to break the deadlock, Pape Thiaw can call upon Boulaye Dia or Cherif Ndiaye (who has scored in his last two internationals).18 The battle in the center of the park between Sessi D'Almeida and Idrissa Gana Gueye will likely dictate the tempo of the game.
Head-to-Head: A Long Road for Benin
The historical record is heavily skewed in favor of the Lions.
Overall: 10 Meetings — Senegal (7 wins), Benin (1 win), 2 Draws.19
Last AFCON Meeting: 2019 Quarter-finals — Senegal 1–0 Benin.20
The "Curse": Benin’s only victory against Senegal came in 1961.21 Since then, they have failed to beat the Teranga Lions in nine consecutive attempts.
Match Prediction
Benin has the organization to make this a frustrating evening for the favorites, and the stakes will ensure they play with maximum intensity. However, Senegal’s individual quality—specifically from Mané and Jackson—usually finds a way to penetrate low blocks.22 Expect a tight first half followed by Senegal asserting their dominance.
Final Score Prediction: Benin 0–2 Senegal
