AFCON 2025: Benin beat Botswana leaving group D wide open

A success to give oneself air and still believe in it. At the time of meeting in Rabat for their 2nd outing in group D of AFCON 2025, Benin and Botswana were in the same situation. Beaten on the first day, Cheetahs and Zebras had to win or risk giving up their hopes of joining the round of 16. A marginal score, it was the Beninese who made the good deal by winning not without difficulty (1-0).


Roche, the redemption
But if the Beninois were better in the game, the Zebras had the best chance when Orebonye failed to find the target on a poorly negotiated volley (25'). Warning that had the merit of waking up Gernot Rohr’s men and actually starting the game. In the process, they finally found the net. Well served on a pass from Mounié, Roche was quite happy to see his deflected shot tricking a Pokho who had to bow this time (28'). Like a symbol, the left back thus made up for his fatal mistake against the DRC. 

The Beninese had then done the hardest and depended hugely on their supporters present in the stands. Botswanans who did not easily admit to defeat at least not without a fight of their own. Johnson was even thinking of offering the equalizer to his team, but his free kick hit on the crossbar of a beaten Dandjinou (36').

Botswana not rewarded
Upon returning from the changing rooms, Morena Ramoreboli made a strong choice with a triple change. Resolutely offensive tendencies to catch up in the game, but to no avail. It was Benin that implored excellent game management skills to secur all points.

A saving and historic success for Benin, which takes three valuable points and completely relaunches itself in the race for qualification. The Cheetahs are gradually mounting pressure on Senegal and DR Congo in group D, pending the meeting between Lions and Leopards. For Botswana, however, qualification is now expected to be difficult. On the last day, Botswana will face DRC and Benin against Senegal. A group that is still widely open as things stand