Senegal 1st, 4 points (+3), Democratic Republic of the Congo 2nd, 4 points (+1), Benin 3rd, 3 points (+0), Botswana 4th, 0 point (-4). Here is the ranking of group D of this AFCON 2025 while the 3rd day is played this Tuesday at 8 pm GMT. The only certainty is that Botswana is officially eliminated. However, between the three other teams, it will be the «war» to finish as high as possible in order to compete in the 8th finals of this Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal: win to stay in Tangier
Senegal has its destiny between the feet. A large win would allow the Lions to keep the lead in the group but especially to avoid trips by potentially staying in Tangier until the semi-finals of the competition. A significant case, already considered by the coach Pape Thiaw before challenging Benin.
«The key to the match will be humility and concentration, because the meeting can be played on details. To stay here in Tangier, we will have to make a good match in possession and transition, get this victory and keep the first place of the group,"
assured the technician.
On the Beninese side, the objective will be to not give in to euphoria after the victory against Botswana 1-0, the first in the country’s history at the AFCON in regulation time. A draw would allow the Guépards to qualify as the best 3rd as in 2019 where they had reached the quarter-finals before falling... against Senegal. The last confrontation between the two nations dates back to March 2024 with a 1-0 victory for the Senegalese in a friendly match.
The Leopards in ambush
In the other match, DRC faces a team from Botswana already eliminated. The Congolese could finish first in case of victory with a counter-performance of Senegal against Benin. A scenario that would allow the Leopards to prepare as best they can for the last 16 that will take place against a team that finishes third. On the other hand, if Théo Bongonda’s teammates finish 2nd, the opponent could be Algeria, leader of their group, which would offer an XXL shock.
Botswana has an opportunity to go home with their head high in case of a win in today’s game. They are still chasing their first ever AFCON match win in history.
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Philemon MBALE
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Passionné de sport depuis toujours, partage avec vous les dernières actualités et analyses du monde sportif.