Senegal aims to secure knockout progression against Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations Group D finale, while DR Congo seeks top spot against eliminated Botswana. Both matches occur Tuesday at 19:00 GMT in Morocco.
The Africa Cup of Nations Group D concludes Tuesday with two pivotal fixtures: Benin versus Senegal at Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, and Botswana against DR Congo. Senegal, the 2021 champions, hold four points after a 3-0 win over Botswana—where Nicolas Jackson scored twice—and a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, equalized by Sadio Mané. Benin, buoyed by their first-ever AFCON finals victory, a 1-0 defeat of Botswana, follows an opening 1-0 loss to DR Congo. A draw could suffice for both to advance, with Benin potentially qualifying as a best third-placed team.
Benin's coach Gernot Rohr emphasizes organization, with Andreas Hountondji sidelined by a thigh injury. Expected lineup: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tidjani, Roche; D’Almeida, Dodo, Imourane, Tosin, Olaitan; Mounie. Senegal's Aliou Cissé may caution with Ismaila Sarr nursing an ankle issue; projected: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; I. Gueye, P. Gueye, I. Ndiaye; I. Sarr, Mané, Jackson.
Meanwhile, DR Congo, with four points from their Benin win (Théo Bongonda's goal) and Senegal draw, targets group leadership by matching or bettering Senegal's result. Coach Sébastien Desabre noted post-Senegal: “We’ve shown that DR Congo can stand up to the best team in Africa. Now, we must stay focused for the match against Botswana and go for the top spot.” Arthur Masuaku faces rest after an injury scare. Predicted: M’Pasi; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bongonda, Bakambu. Botswana, winless and out, fields: Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa; Ratshukudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho.
Historically, Senegal dominates Benin (seven wins in ten meetings). Stats highlight Senegal's eight-match unbeaten run and Benin's recent resilience, losing just one of three AFCON games. Viewers in the UK tune to Channel 4 Sport’s YouTube; USA via beIN Sports.
