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

The Zebras have only won one of their five games against the Leopards.

The Botswana national football team are all set to battle it out against the Congo DR national football team for their third group stage outing of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This contest will take place at the Stade El Barid.

The Zebras have faced defeats in both of their first two games in the ongoing edition of the African competition. They were first dominated by Senegal and then fell prey to Benin. The Botswana national football team will be under intense pressure coming into their upcoming game. They might struggle yet again.

The DR Congo national football team opened their AFCON campaign with a win against Benin, but were then held to a draw by Senegal in the following fixture. A win will take them to the round of 16 stage of the tournament. The Leopards will be looking to put up a top show to secure a win here.

Kick-off:

• Location: Rabat, Morocco
• Stadium: Stade El Barid
• Date: Wednesday, December 31
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST (Tuesday, Dec 30; 07:00 p.m. GMT/ 02:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Botswana: L-L-D-L-L

Congo DR: W-W-D-W-D

Players to Watch

Omaatla Kebatho (Botswana)

Omaatla Kebatho must step up his game and help his side stand a chance in their upcoming fixture. He has failed to score a goal in the previous two games, but will be looking to put up a top show this time around. Kebatho will be ready to lead his side on the attacking front.

Cedric Bakambu (Congo DR)

Cedric Bakambu scored an important goal in the previous AFCON fixture for the DR Congo national football team. He will once again be gearing up to help his side in the final third and is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence. The Real Betis forward will be keen to score a goal or two to help his side secure three important points.

🐆 BAKAGOOOAAALLL #21⚽️ 🔥⭐️ #CédricBakambu #AFCON2025 #SENRDC pic.twitter.com/pYxTRRfSFg

— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) December 27, 2025

Match Facts

• Botswana have not secured a win in their last five games.
• Congo DR have won three of their last five matches.
• The Leopards have won two of their five fixtures against the Zebras.

Botswana vs DR Congo: Betting Tips and Odds

• Congo DR to win @3/10 Virgin Bet
• Cedric Bakambu to score @7/5 Paddy Power
• Goals under 3.5 @1/3 Spread Ex

Injury and Team News

Botswana will have all their players ready to be in action.

Mario Stroeykens is not going to be in action for Congo DR. He is injured.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 5

Botswana won: 1

Congo DR won: 2

Draws: 2

Predicted Lineups

Botswana predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

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

DR Congo predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

M’Pasi (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy; Bongonda, Mukau, Sadiki, Elia; Bakambu

Match Prediction

The Zebras will be looking to put up a strong fight, but the Cheetas will not let them take many chances. The Congo DR national football team are likely to come out on top against the Botswana national football team in their upcoming AFCON clash.

Prediction: Botswana 0-2 Congo DR

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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