Benin v Botswana preview
Benin boss Gernot Rohr said he was “satisfied” despite his side’s opening 1-0 defeat to DR Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – but the German knows the result has raised the stakes for a meeting with Botswana in Rabat on Saturday.
“We have to win if we’re going to have reasonable hope of qualifying,” suggested the 72-year-old, whose options were considerably depleted against opponents 36 places above Benin in the rankings.
“We absolutely must prepare well for the match against Botswana. The advantage is that [our] suspended boys have been able to rest and will be starting from scratch with regard to yellow cards.
“But all those who came in… played well and showed that they, too, will have a say as part of ths team.”
Botswana lost 3-0 to 2021 champions Senegal, but coach Morena Ramoreboli described himself as “very proud” of his players.
“There were moments when you could see that we were playing against a very good team who were waiting for us to make mistakes,” said Ramoreboli.
Benin showing up to #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 with high hopes ✨
How far will their story go? 🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/17km5Ovls4
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025
“[Those] can only come from individual brilliance. When you are trying to deal with them, you learn and say ‘this is what we needed to do in this situation.’
“Unfortunately, you can only correct mistakes after they have happened. But it was a very good game, honestly speaking.”
Benin v Botswana team news
Benin record scorer and captain Steve Mounie, who plays for Alanyaspor on loan from Augsburg and is considered a key focal point in attack by Rohr, is in contention to return.
The coach also pointed out the importance of starting goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and defender Mohamed Tijani being available after bans, as are forward Andreas Hountondji and midfielder Junior Olaitan.
Rohr praised 22-year-old right-back Tamimou Ouorou and 19-year-old forward Rodolfo Aloko, who both started against DR Congo, as well as midfielder Romaric Amoussou, who came off the bench.
South African-born tactician Ramoreboli is likely to make changes. Midfielders Thabang Sesinyi, Godiraone Modingwane, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Gilbert Baruti and forward Thabo Maponda came on against Senegal.
Benin v Botswana: AFCON 2025 predicted line-ups
Benin starting XI: Marcel Dandjinou, Rachid Moumini, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, Tamimou Ouorou, Rodolfo Aloko, Sessi D’Almeida, Junior Olaitan, Imourane Hassane, Steve Mounie, Aiyegun Tosin
Botswana starting XI: Goitseone Phoko, Alford Velaphi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Mothusi Johnson, Thabang Sesinyi, Godiraone Modingwane, Mothusi Cooper, Lebogang Ditsele, Gape Mohutsiwa, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Omaatla Kebatho
Botswana mark a historical return 🇧🇼
The Zebras are back on the continental trail with their 2nd campaign. 💪#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/EeOahQPbll
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 20, 2025
How to watch Benin v Botswana: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Saturday is at 12:30 GMT (07:30 ET / 04:30 PT). In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
Benin v Botswana: AFCON 2025 stats
- Benin are making their fifth appearance at the finals, having previously featured in 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2019
- They are yet to win a match in open play at the tournament across 15 games (D5 L10)
- The Cheetahs lost their first six AFCON matches, avoiding defeat for the first time with a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in 2010
- They drew all three group matches in 2019, beating Morocco on penalties in the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw before losing 1-0 to Senegal in the quarter-finals
- Rohr is at his fourth AFCON finals, having led Nigeria in 2019 – finishing third – Niger in 2013 and Gabon in 2012
- Botswana are back at the tournament after a 13-year absence, having debuted in 2012
- They have lost all four of their AFCON matches, suffering defeats to Ghana (1-0), Guinea (6-1) and Mali (2–1) in 2012
- Mogakolodi Ngele’s goal against Mali in 2012 is the only time they have scored first in a game at the tournament
- Ramoreboli is the first South African coach to lead another nation at an AFCON finals
- With four goals in qualifying, Botswana scored the joint-fewest among qualified teams alongside Sudan