Preview: Benin vs Botswana – Prediction, Team News, Lineups
Benin and Botswana meet at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah with both sides eager to bounce back after opening losses in the Africa Cup of Nations. The match is crucial for both teams as they seek vital points to keep their qualification hopes alive in Group D.
Benin narrowly lost 1-0 to Congo DR despite showing some promise. Theo Bongonda’s early goal decided the outcome, while a potential equalizer from Cedric Bakambu was ruled out via VAR.
Benin have now lost three consecutive matches, scoring no goals and conceding eight. This marks their worst run since 2022. The team faces a must-win clash against Botswana, the lowest-ranked side in the group, sitting 46 places below them in the FIFA rankings.
Botswana suffered a 3-0 defeat to tournament favorites Senegal in their opening game. They held out for 40 minutes before Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock just before halftime.
The Zebras have now gone eight matches without a victory and seven without a clean sheet. Their last win was a 2-0 World Cup qualifier over Somalia in March. Botswana is bottom of Group D and faces a tough mission to progress beyond the group stages in just their second AFCON appearance in 13 years.
Team News
Several suspended Benin players return this weekend, boosting squad depth. Junior Olaitan, Steve Mounie, Andreas Hountondji, Mohamed Tijani, and Marcel Dandjinou are all available again for selection.
Mounie and Hountondji are likely starters, with Hountondji marking his 20th cap. Goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou is expected to start after a solid showing.
Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko impressed with 14 saves in his debut AFCON match and should keep his place. Key attacker Kabelo Seakanyeng remains important despite an 18-month goal drought.
Possible Lineups
- Benin: Dandjinou; Tijani, Verdon, Roche, Moumini; Ouorou, Dodo, Imourane, Kiki; Mounie, Olaitan
- Botswana: Phoko; Johnson, Ditlhokwe, Gaolaolwe, Velaphi; Ditsele; Seakanyeng, Mohutsiwa, Cooper, Orebonye; Kebatho
Both teams will approach the game with urgency, knowing that a defeat could effectively end their AFCON campaigns. Benin’s return of key players gives them a slight edge in quality and depth over Botswana.
This game is poised to be a closely fought contest, but Benin’s experience and improved lineup are likely to secure a narrow win at home.
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