Online Reporter
Benin will battle it out with Senegal in their third and final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D match, which is scheduled to be played at the Tangier Grand Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, today.
The Cheetahs are on cloud nine after securing their first-ever win in the AFCON finals when they overcame Botswana 1-0 on December 27 and the victory also snapped their three-match win-less run across all competitions.
Benin find themselves placed third in the Group D standings with three points from two matches, with fourth-placed Botswana having been eliminated, and a win over Senegal would earn the West African side a spot in the knock-out phase for the first time.
Senegal, on the other hand, had to show character by fighting back to hold DR Congo to a 1-1 draw on December 27 and the stalemate extended the West African giants’ unbeaten run to three matches across all competitions.
The Lions of Teranga are occupying the top spot in the Group D standings on goal difference, having accumulated four points from two matches, and the 2021 AFCON champions will progress to the Round of 16 if they avoid a defeat against Benin.
Both Benin and Senegal have no suspension concerns, and the two teams have yet to report any injuries in their camps ahead of their West African Derby showdown.
Benin head coach Gernot Rohr said: “We’re happy, it’s a historic victory (over Botswana) because Benin had never won a match in the Africa Cup of Nations in their four appearances. It’s the first one, so we’re very happy. “It gives us hope of getting out of this tough group before the last match against Senegal. It will obviously be complicated, but my team showed some great things in terms of play, and morale too.”
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw said: “I don’t think inefficiency is a matter of player selection. Of course, you have to be more clinical in front of goal, and they are aware of that. I have no regrets (after the DR Congo draw).
“This match is over and I’m already focused on the next one against Benin, to win it.
Of course, there are things we could have done better (against DR Congo), but the match is behind us. Now we must focus on the next encounter.” — Supersport.
