Already assured of a place in the knockout rounds, Congo DR round off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage campaign against Botswana at the Al Barid Stadium on Tuesday, with both sides entering the finale with sharply contrasting objectives.
Les Léopards have collected four points from a possible six, enough to seal progression to the round of 16, while Botswana’s two defeats mean they are already eliminated and left playing purely for pride.
Match Preview
Congo DR Strengthen Dark-Horse Credentials
Tipped as one of the tournament’s potential surprise packages, Congo DR have lived up to expectations with a solid start to their AFCON campaign under head coach Sébastien Desabre.
Their journey began with a professional 1–0 victory over Benin, courtesy of Théo Bongonda’s 16th-minute strike, a result that extended their winning run and set the tone early.
Les Léopards were then tested by reigning champions Senegal, and they more than held their own. Cédric Bakambu fired Congo DR into the lead shortly after the hour mark, before Sadio Mané’s equaliser ensured the contest ended 1–1.
Although that draw brought an end to a six-match winning streak, it was enough to secure qualification for the knockout stages for the fifth time in six AFCON tournaments, excluding their absence in 2021.
Now targeting top spot in the group for the first time since 2017, Congo DR approach their third-ever meeting with Botswana knowing the head-to-head record is finely balanced, with one win apiece from the previous two encounters.
Botswana Seek Consolation After Early Exit
Botswana arrived in Morocco facing a steep learning curve, and the challenge has proven too much for the lowest-ranked and least experienced side at the tournament.
Their AFCON return began with a 3–0 defeat to Senegal, followed by a narrow 1–0 loss to Benin, results that made the Zebras the first team mathematically eliminated from the group stage.
While progression is no longer possible, Morena Ramoreboli’s men will be eager to salvage pride and end their campaign on a positive note—something they have struggled to do in recent months.
Botswana are now winless in nine matches, a run stretching back to a 2–0 World Cup qualifying victory over Somalia in March, and they have conceded first in five of their last seven games.
That poor trend could prove costly once again against a Congo DR side that has opened the scoring in eight of their last nine matches, making a fast start essential if the Zebras are to spring an upset.
Team News
Congo DR
Star striker Cédric Bakambu moved onto 21 international goals with his strike against Senegal and is now just one goal shy of Dieumerci Mbokani’s national record—an added incentive heading into the group finale.
Defender Arthur Masuaku picked up a minor injury scare last time out and, with a last-16 tie looming, could be rested. Should that happen, Joris Kayembe is in line for his first start of the tournament.
Otherwise, Desabre is expected to keep faith with a settled backline featuring Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Botswana
Captain Mosha Gaolaolwe is closing in on 100 international appearances and should once again partner Thatayaone Ditlhokwe at the heart of defence.
Although Ramoreboli has made minimal changes across the opening two games, rotation is possible with elimination already confirmed, as Botswana look to inject fresh energy into their lineup.
Possible Lineups
Botswana:
Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa; Ratshukudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho
Congo DR:
M’Pasi; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bongonda, Bakambu
Form Guide
Botswana (AFCON): L, L
Botswana (All Competitions): L, L, D, L, L, L
Congo DR (AFCON): W, D
Congo DR (All Competitions): W, W, W, W, W, D
Prediction
Botswana 0–3 Congo DR
Given Botswana’s struggles at both ends of the pitch and Congo DR’s growing confidence, this appears a favourable opportunity for Les Léopards to finish the group stage in style.
A comfortable victory looks likely, with Congo DR expected to underline their credentials as serious contenders heading into the knockout rounds.
