Benin vs Botswana Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025

Both teams lost on the opening matchday.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is currently underway, and the action from Group D will take us to Stade Olympique de Rabat, where Benin will lock horns with Botswana in an enthralling encounter.

Benin played a friendly against Burkina Faso ahead of this tournament, and that game ended in a 3-0 loss for them. They also lost their opening match against DR Congo controversially.

They dominated the game in terms of possession but were denied a penalty due to a VAR malfunction in the dying moments.  Despite being in a difficult group, Benin hold the potential of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Botswana, on the other hand, were dismantled by Senegal on the opening matchday as they lost the game 3-0. They could not keep the ball for long and even lacked effectiveness in transition. Botswana are currently sitting at the bottom of Group D, and another loss will almost confirm their exit from the ongoing AFCON tournament.  

Kickoff:

Location: Rabat, Morocco

Stadium: Stade Olympique de Rabat

Date & Kick-off Time: Dec 27 – 06:00 pm IST/12:30 pm GMT/07:30 am ET/04:30 am PT 

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Benin (in all competitions): L-L-L-W-W

Botswana (in all competitions): L-D-L-L-L

Players to watch out for:  

Aiyegun Tosin (Benin)

The Lorient forward is going to be a key figure in his national team squad. Despite going through a dry patch in front of goal, he will be crucial in their encounter against Botswana. His off-the-ball movement and ability to exploit spaces help him in getting to the end of great chances.  

Goitseone Phoko (Botswana)

Botswana lost 3-0 against Senegal, but the scoreline could have been even worse if not for Phoko’s heroics between the sticks. He made a total of 14 saves against Lions de la Téranga, and played a perfect game on an individual level. He is expected to face a lot of shots from Benin’s attack, and a similar display will be expected from him.

Match Facts:

• This will be the first head-to-head encounter between these two teams.
• Benin lost 1-0 against DR Congo in their last game.
• Botswana lost 3-0 against Senegal in their last game. 

Benin vs Botswana: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Benin to win – 1.91 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.85 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.49 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Mohamed Tijani, Marcel Dandjinou, Junior Olaitan, and Andreas Hountondji will be unavailable for Benin.

Botswana, on the other hand, have their entire squad available for selection.

Head-to-Head:

This will be the first head-to-head encounter between these two teams.

Predicted Lineups:

Benin (4-3-3)

Allagbé(GK); Moumini, Verdon, Roche, Ouorou; D’Almeida, Imourane, Aloko; Dokou, Dossou, Aiyegun; Tosin

Botswana (4-1-4-1)

Phoko(GK); Ditlhokwe, Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Johnson; Ditsele; Orebonye, Cooper, Mohutsiwa, Seakanyeng; Kebatho

Match Prediction:

Benin are expected to secure a win and clinch all three points against Botswana.

Prediction: Benin 2-1 Botswana

Telecast details:

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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