The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues its opening week in Morocco as one of the tournament’s heavyweights, Senegal, begins its quest for a second continental title against Botswana. This Group D encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Grand Stade de Tanger (Stade Ibn Batouta) in Tangier.
For the "Lions of Teranga," this match represents the beginning of a new era under head coach Pape Thiaw, who recently took the reins from long-serving manager Aliou Cissé. For Botswana, the "Zebras" return to the grandest stage of African football after a 13-year hiatus, looking to secure their first-ever victory at an AFCON finals.
Current Form: Senegal’s Momentum vs. Botswana’s Resilience
Senegal: The Untamed Lions
Senegal enters the tournament in terrifying form. In their final warm-up match, they recorded their biggest-ever international win, an 8-0 demolition of Kenya. This result underscored the depth of talent available to Pape Thiaw, even in the absence of a few key squad members.
The Lions of Teranga have become masters of the group stage, having won their opening match in each of the last five AFCON editions (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023). Statistically, they are the most disciplined side in the competition, having kept 15 clean sheets in their last 22 AFCON fixtures. Their ability to manage games and strike clinical blows on the counter remains their hallmark.
Botswana: The Resurgent Underdogs
Botswana’s qualification for Morocco 2025 was one of the stories of the qualifying rounds. Under South African manager Morena Ramoreboli, the Zebras eliminated Cape Verde to secure their spot. However, since qualifying, their form has dipped. They have lost four of their last five international matches, including a 2-1 friendly defeat to Tunisia just days ago.
Botswana’s primary struggle remains their lack of clinical finishing at the highest level. Most of their squad is based within the domestic Botswana Premier League, making this a classic "David vs. Goliath" clash in terms of individual market value and European experience.
Tactical Analysis: The Battle of Tangier
Senegal’s High-Pressing 4-3-3
Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal has maintained the structural integrity of the Cissé era but added a layer of verticality. The system relies on a high-pressing 4-3-3 formation where the wingers, Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye, tuck inside to create space for overlapping full-backs.
The inclusion of Nicolas Jackson, currently in fine form at Bayern Munich, provides a different dimension to the attack. Unlike traditional target men, Jackson’s mobility allows him to drift wide, creating pockets for Mane to exploit. In midfield, the veteran Idrissa Gana Gueye provides the defensive screen, allowing Pape Matar Sarr to drive forward and link play.
Botswana’s Defensive Low Block
Morena Ramoreboli is expected to deploy a very compact 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 system. Knowing that they cannot go "toe-to-toe" with Senegal in a possession battle, Botswana will likely surrender the ball and defend within their own 30 yards.
The strategy hinges on the discipline of the center-back pairing, Mosha Gaolaolwe and Alford Velaphi. Botswana will look to exploit the space left by Senegal’s attacking full-backs through the pace of Kabelo Seakanyeng. If they can frustrate Senegal for the first 60 minutes, they hope to catch the Lions on a set-piece or a late counter-attack.
Team News: Injuries and Absences
Senegal Team News
Senegal’s preparations were hampered by the withdrawal of promising winger Assane Diao. The 20-year-old suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Como in Serie A. Additionally, defender Ilay Camara has been ruled out of the tournament. However, Ismaila Sarr and Habib Diarra have both overcome minor fitness concerns and are available for selection.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): E. Mendy; A. Mendy, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Jakobs; Gana Gueye, Matar Sarr; I. Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané; Jackson.
Botswana Team News
Botswana arrives in Tangier with a relatively clean bill of health. Coach Ramoreboli has emphasized "fierce competition" within the squad. One interesting inclusion is Renei Batlokwa, who plays in the English lower leagues and provides a different tactical perspective in the middle of the park.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Phoko; Leinanyane, Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Johnson; Mohutsiwa; Boy, Cooper, Baruti, Seakanyeng; Orebonye.
Head-to-Head: Historical Dominance
History is firmly on the side of the West Africans. The two sides have met twice previously, both during the qualifying rounds for the 2015 AFCON.
November 2014: Senegal 3-0 Botswana
September 2014: Botswana 0-2 Senegal
Stat Highlight: Botswana has never scored a goal against Senegal in a competitive fixture. Furthermore, Senegal remains unbeaten in regulation time at the AFCON since the 2019 final against Algeria.
Key Matchups to Watch
Sadio Mane vs. Thabo Leinanyane: Mane remains the focal point of the Senegalese attack. Leinanyane will have the unenviable task of tracking Mane’s diagonal runs into the box. If Mane finds his rhythm early, it could be a long night for the Botswana defense.
Nicolas Jackson vs. Mosha Gaolaolwe: Jackson’s physicality and pace will test the aging legs of the Botswana backline. Gaolaolwe’s positioning will need to be perfect to prevent Jackson from being released one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Kabelo Seakanyeng vs. Ismail Jakobs: Seakanyeng is Botswana's most potent threat. His pace on the wing is their best hope for a counter-attack. Jakobs, while an excellent attacker, must ensure he isn't caught too high up the pitch.
Match Prediction and Betting Outlook
The gap in quality between these two rosters is significant. Senegal is a team built for the latter stages of the tournament, while Botswana is still in the developmental phase of their continental journey.
Expect Senegal to dominate possession (likely exceeding 65%) and look to break the deadlock within the first 30 minutes. If Botswana concedes early, the floodgates may open as they are forced to abandon their defensive structure.
Final Score Prediction: Senegal 3-0 Botswana
