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

DR Congo are the favourites coming into this game!

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is currently underway, and the action from Group D will take us to the Al Madina Stadium, where DR Congo will lock horns with Benin in an enthralling encounter.

Congo, on the other hand, are coming into this game after securing a 2-0 win over Zambia in an international friendly. They are on a five-match winning streak and also find themselves in the inter-confederation playoff to qualify for the World Cup. Congo are favourites to qualify from this group, along with Senegal, and will look to start their campaign with a win.

Benin played a friendly against Burkina Faso ahead of this tournament, and that game ended in a 3-0 loss for them. Benin failed to qualify for last year’s AFCON as they lost a must-win game against Mozambique on the final matchday. Despite being in a difficult group with Congo, Botswana, and Senegal, Benin holds the potential of qualifying for the knockout stages.

Kick-off:

Location: Rabat, Morocco

Stadium: Al Madina Stadium

Date & Kick-off Time: Dec 23 – 06:00 pm IST/12:30 pm GMT/07:30 am ET/04:30 am PT 

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

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

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

Players to watch out for:

Cédric Bakambu (Congo)

Cédric Bakambu is one of the most important players for Congo coming into this tournament. He was Congo’s top goalscorer in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers as he found the back of the net on four occasions. He is having a great season with Real Betis and will be crucial against Benin.

Steve Mounié (Benin)

The Alanyaspor forward is going to be a key figure in Benin’s squad. Despite going through a dry patch in front of goal, Steve Mounie was the top goalscorer for his country in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers with five goals. His off-the-ball movement and ability to exploit spaces help him in getting to the end of great chances.  

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 2-0 win for DR Congo. 
• Congo won 2-0 against Zambia in their last game.
• Benin lost 3-0 against Burkina Faso in their last game.  

DR Congo vs Benin: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: DR Congo to win – 1.84 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.68 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Goals over 2.5 – 1.72 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Mario Stroeykens will not be a part of DR Congo’s squad as he suffered a knee injury.  

Benin, on the other hand, will be without the likes of Mohamed Tijani, Marcel Dandjinou, Junior Olaitan, and Andreas Hountondji.

Head-to-Head:

Total matches: 2

DR Congo won: 1

Benin won: 0

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups:

DR Congo (4-1-4-1)

Fayulu(GK); Masuaku, Kiranga, Mbemba, Kalulu; Kayembe; Bongonda, Mukau, Pickel, Balikwisha; Bakambu

Benin (4-3-3)

Saturnin(GK); Moumini, Verdon, Roche, Ouorou ; Dodo, D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Tosin, Mounié

Match Prediction:

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

Prediction: DR Congo 2-1 Benin

Telecast details:

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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