Benin v Botswana preview
Benin boss Gernot Rohr stated he was “happy” regardless of his facet’s opening 1-0 defeat to DR Congo on the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – however the German is aware of the end result has raised the stakes for a gathering with Botswana in Rabat on Saturday.
“We have now to win if we’re going to have cheap hope of qualifying,” advised the 72-year-old, whose choices had been significantly depleted in opposition to opponents 36 locations above Benin within the rankings.
“We completely should put together nicely for the match in opposition to Botswana. The benefit is that [our] suspended boys have been in a position to relaxation and might be ranging from scratch with regard to yellow playing cards.
“However all those that got here in… performed nicely and confirmed that they, too, could have a say as a part of ths workforce.”
Botswana misplaced 3-0 to 2021 champions Senegal, however coach Morena Ramoreboli described himself as “very proud” of his gamers.
“There have been moments when you could possibly see that we had been enjoying in opposition to an excellent workforce who had been ready for us to make errors,” stated Ramoreboli.
Benin exhibiting as much as #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 with excessive hopes ✨
How far will their story go? 🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/17km5Ovls4
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025
“[Those] can solely come from particular person brilliance. When you find yourself making an attempt to cope with them, you study and say ‘that is what we would have liked to do on this scenario.’
“Sadly, you possibly can solely appropriate errors after they’ve occurred. But it surely was an excellent sport, actually talking.”
Benin v Botswana workforce information
Benin file scorer and captain Steve Mounie, who performs for Alanyaspor on mortgage from Augsburg and is taken into account a key focus in assault by Rohr, is in rivalry to return.
The coach additionally identified the significance of beginning goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and defender Mohamed Tijani being out there after bans, as are ahead Andreas Hountondji and midfielder Junior Olaitan.
Rohr praised 22-year-old right-back Tamimou Ouorou and 19-year-old ahead Rodolfo Aloko, who each began in opposition to DR Congo, in addition to midfielder Romaric Amoussou, who got here off the bench.
South African-born tactician Ramoreboli is more likely to make adjustments. Midfielders Thabang Sesinyi, Godiraone Modingwane, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Gilbert Baruti and ahead Thabo Maponda got here on in opposition to Senegal.
Benin v Botswana: AFCON 2025 predicted line-ups
Benin beginning 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 beginning 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 historic return 🇧🇼
The Zebras are again on the continental path with their 2nd marketing campaign. 💪#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/EeOahQPbll
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 20, 2025
How one can watch Benin v Botswana: TV channel, dwell on-line stream
Kick-off on Saturday is at 12:30 GMT (07:30 ET / 04:30 PT). Within the UK, dwell AFCON 2025 protection is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. Within the USA, beIN Sports activities is the event broadcaster.
On-line dwell streaming is out there on an enormous vary of units via Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports activities app.
Benin v Botswana: AFCON 2025 stats
- Benin are making their fifth look on the finals, having beforehand featured in 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2019
- They’re but to win a match in open play on the event throughout 15 video games (D5 L10)
- The Cheetahs misplaced their first six AFCON matches, avoiding defeat for the primary time with a 2-2 draw in opposition to Mozambique in 2010
- They drew all three group matches in 2019, beating Morocco on penalties within the spherical of 16 after a 1-1 draw earlier than dropping 1-0 to Senegal within the quarter-finals
- Rohr is at his fourth AFCON finals, having led Nigeria in 2019 – ending third – Niger in 2013 and Gabon in 2012
- Botswana are again on the event after a 13-year absence, having debuted in 2012
- They’ve misplaced all 4 of their AFCON matches, struggling defeats to Ghana (1-0), Guinea (6-1) and Mali (2–1) in 2012
- Mogakolodi Ngele’s aim in opposition to Mali in 2012 is the one time they’ve scored first in a sport on the event
- Ramoreboli is the primary South African coach to steer one other nation at an AFCON finals
- With 4 targets in qualifying, Botswana scored the joint-fewest amongst certified groups alongside Sudan
