Tournament favourites Senegal lock horns with Benin on Tuesday at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier as Group D reaches its decisive final round at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Both sides remain firmly in contention for progression to the knockout stages, with Senegal already qualified following a draw against DR Congo, while Benin arrive full of confidence after recording a historic first-ever AFCON victory in their last outing.
Match Preview
Benin Riding Wave of History and Belief
Benin’s AFCON campaign has been defined by milestones and renewed optimism as the Cheetahs prepare for one of the biggest tests in their continental history.
Prior to the ongoing tournament, Benin had never won a match at the AFCON finals since their debut in 2004, enduring a long run of draws and defeats across multiple editions. That unwanted record finally ended on December 27, when Yohan Roche struck the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Botswana, delivering a landmark triumph for the West Africans.
That breakthrough followed a narrow 1–0 defeat to DR Congo in their opening Group D fixture, where an early Théo Bongonda goal proved decisive. While the opening loss placed Benin under immediate pressure, their win over Botswana has reignited hopes of qualification and ensured they remain in the mix heading into matchday three.
Head coach Gernot Rohr will take heart from his side’s growing organisation and tactical discipline, qualities that will be essential against a Senegal team boasting far greater AFCON pedigree and depth.
Benin’s recent form reflects a team steadily finding its feet on the continental stage, with three wins and three defeats from their last six matches in all competitions, including victories over Lesotho and Rwanda, but losses to Nigeria, Burkina Faso and DR Congo.
Historically, however, Senegal have had the upper hand in this fixture. Benin have managed just one win, alongside two draws and seven defeats, since their first meeting back in 1961.
Senegal Target Group Supremacy
Senegal arrive in Tangier sitting on four points from two matches, comfortably positioned to reach the round of 16 and still eyeing top spot in Group D.
The 2021 AFCON champions opened their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3–0 win over Botswana, inspired by a brace from Nicolas Jackson, before showing resilience in a 1–1 draw with DR Congo, where Sadio Mané netted the equaliser after Senegal fell behind.
Those performances have showcased Senegal’s all-round quality—from their attacking firepower to their composure under pressure—reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s leading contenders.
With a squad packed with experience and leadership, including Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye and Mané, the Lions of Teranga remain well-equipped for the business end of the competition.
Head coach Pape Thiaw will be keen to secure a positive result to maintain momentum and potentially seal top spot in Group D, with efficiency in front of goal and defensive concentration key priorities.
Senegal have lost just one of their last eight matches across all competitions (W6, D1), scoring 26 goals and conceding only five, underlining their consistency and attacking threat.
Team News
Benin
Benin are expected to stick largely with the lineup that secured their historic win over Botswana. They remain without Andreas Hountondji, who declined a call-up due to a persistent thigh injury.
Rohr reshuffled his squad after the opening defeat to DR Congo, with Marcel Dandjinou, Olaitan Junior, Tidjani Mohamed and Steve Mounié returning from suspension to start last time out, and continuity is expected as Benin prioritise balance and cohesion.
Senegal
Senegal also boast a near full-strength squad, though Ismaila Sarr remains a fitness concern after being substituted early against DR Congo as he continues his recovery from an ankle ligament issue.
If deemed fit, Sarr is expected to start alongside Mané and Jackson, while Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye should anchor the midfield. Mendy and Koulibaly are set to lead from the back once again.
Possible Lineups
Benin:
Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tidjani, Roche; D’Almeida, Dodo, Imourane, Tosin, Olaitan; Mounié
Senegal:
Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Jakobs; I. Gueye, P. Gueye, I. Ndiaye; Sarr, Mané, Jackson
Form Guide
Benin (AFCON): L, W
Benin (All Competitions): W, W, L, L, L, W
Senegal (AFCON): W, D
Senegal (All Competitions): W, W, L, W, W, D
Prediction
Benin 1–1 Senegal
Both sides are likely to approach this encounter with caution, fully aware that avoiding defeat could be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages.
A draw would take Senegal to five points, guaranteeing progression and possibly leaving group supremacy dependent on other results, while Benin could still advance as one of the best third-placed teams, making a share of the spoils a realistic and pragmatic outcome for both teams.
