AFCON 2025 Group D: In-Depth Analysis

1 February 2025 Sir Owen

The Teranga Lions of Senegal will aim to improve on that poor outing in the last edition of the tournament by topping AFCON 2025 Group D and making a run to reclaim the title lost in Abidjan.

Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) promises exhilarating football as Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana compete for a spot in the knockout stages. Let’s dive into each team’s strengths, key players, tactical setup, historical performance, and what to watch for.

Senegal – The Lions of Teranga Seek Back-to-Back Glory

AFCON 2023 Performance:
Round of 16 exit (lost to eventual champions Ivory Coast)

Disappointed in the tournament despite having a star-studded team featuring world-class talent in every department.
Sadio Mané underwhelmed in the tournament, scoring only one goal in the tournamnet held in Ivory Coast.
The defensive solidity of Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy provided a stable foundation.

Why Senegal Are Group Favorites:

✅ Former Champions: Proven winners with tournament experience.
✅ Star-Studded Squad: Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaïla Sarr, and Nampalys Mendy.
✅ Solid Defensive Core: One of the continent’s best defensive setups.

Best Player: Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr, Forward)
A world-class forward with explosive pace, dribbling skills, and a knack for scoring decisive goals. Mané’s leadership and experience are invaluable for Senegal’s title defense.

Expectations for AFCON 2025:
Senegal is expected to top the group and mount a serious title defense. Anything less than a semi-final appearance would be considered a disappointment.

Dangerman: Ismaïla Sarr (Olympique de Marseille, Winger)
Sarr’s blistering speed, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess make him a nightmare for defenders.

DR Congo – The Leopards Aim to Roar

AFCON 2023 Performance:
🔵 Finished 4th (Lost to Ivory Coast in the semifinals)

Displayed attacking brilliance, but defensive lapses cost them in crucial matches.
Showed resilience by beating Egypt in the Round of 16 and Guinea in the quarterfinals.

Why DR Congo Are Dangerous:

✅ Attacking Flair: They known for their dynamic and unpredictable attack.
✅ Young and Talented Squad: Rising stars making an impact.
✅ Strong AFCON History: Two-time champions (1968, 1974).

Best Player: Cédric Bakambu (Al-Nasr SC, Forward)
Bakambu is a clinical striker with pace, strength, and a proven goal-scoring record at both club and international levels.

Expectations for AFCON 2025:
DR Congo will aim to reach the knockout stages and could be a dark horse for the title.

Dangerman: Gaël Kakuta (Amiens SC, Midfielder)
An experienced playmaker, Kakuta is known for his excellent vision, dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses.

Benin – The Squirrels Seek a Breakthrough

AFCON 2023 Performance:
🟡 Did Not Qualify

Failed to reach the tournament after a disappointing qualification campaign.
Have since rebuilt with a focus on emerging talent.

Why Benin Could Surprise:

✅ Compact Defensive Unit: Difficult to break down.
✅ Emerging Talent: Young players hungry to make their mark.
✅ Underdog Factor: Less pressure allows for fearless performances.

Best Player: Steve Mounié (Brest, Forward)
Mounié is a powerful striker known for his aerial prowess and ability to hold up play. His experience will be crucial for Benin’s attack.

Expectations for AFCON 2025:
Reaching the knockout stage would be a significant achievement for Benin, given their recent struggles.

Dangerman: Jodel Dossou (Sochaux, Winger)
A pacey winger with excellent dribbling skills and the ability to deliver dangerous crosses.

Botswana – The Zebras’ Quest for History

AFCON 2023 Performance:
🔵 Did Not Qualify

Missed out on the previous tournament but are determined to make an impact in AFCON 2025.

Why Botswana Could Be Dangerous:

✅ Fast and Fearless Attackers: Capable of hurting teams on the counter.
✅ Strong Team Spirit: Known for their resilience and hard work.
✅ Nothing to Lose: Playing with freedom and determination.

Best Player: Mogakolodi Ngele (Forward)
A versatile attacker with a powerful shot and creative instincts, Ngele remains Botswana’s key offensive outlet.

Expectations for AFCON 2025:
Progressing from the group stage would be a historic achievement for Botswana.

Dangerman: Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Forward)
Kgamanyane is a clinical finisher with the ability to score crucial goals for Botswana.

Standout Fixture: Senegal vs. DR Congo – Group D Decider

Why This Match Matters:

🔥 Top Spot at Stake: The two strongest teams in the group.
🔥 Attacking Showdown: DR Congo’s flair vs. Senegal’s disciplined defense.
🔥 Tournament Momentum: A win could set the tone for the knockout stages.

Tactical Battles to Watch:

🔴 Mané and Sarr vs. DR Congo’s Defense: Can DR Congo contain Senegal’s potent attack?
🔴 Midfield Control: DR Congo’s creativity vs. Senegal’s physical dominance.
🔴 Set-Piece Danger: Both teams have threats from dead-ball situations.

Match Expectation:
Expect an end-to-end contest with DR Congo looking to exploit Senegal’s high line. Senegal’s superior firepower should see them through.

Prediction: Senegal 2-0 DR Congo
Senegal’s experience and attacking prowess will likely secure a comfortable win.

Dark Horse of Group D: Benin

Why Benin?

✅ Compact and Disciplined: Hard to break down.
✅ Energetic Play: Capable of grinding out results.
✅ Underdog Factor: Can surprise bigger teams with fearless performances.