2025 AFCON Group D: Favourites against outsiders?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Senegal: The Lions of Teranga are out to reaffirm dominance
Beginning with their African Cup of Nations debut in 1965, Senegal have gone on to make 17 appearances in this tournament, practically turning this stage into their playground.
However, the Lions of Teranga have not been as dominant as the number of editions they've taken part in suggests, other than painting a picture that they've been consistent participants.
After a 56-year trophy drought in this tournament, Senegal was crowned champions in 2021. They achieved this feat by beating seven-time champions Egypt at the Olembe Stadium of Yaounde in the final. This was a historic moment for the West African nation as it was their first-ever continental title. At the time, they were led by former head coach Aliou Cisse.
In the previous edition, their AFCON title was stripped from them. To everyone's surprise, they suffered a Round of 16 exit, losing to the Ivory Coast 5-4 on penalties.
Pape Thiaw is the new face tasked with leading the nation to greater heights, having taken the reins in December 2024. His team is located in Group D, and it already appears they are favored to top the group and be one of the top contenders to lift the trophy.
Thiaw has had no trouble settling in as the 44-year-old has already made a name for himself. He guided the nation to their first African Nations Championship (CHAN) on February 4th, 2023, and also guaranteed FIFA World Cup qualification.
Strengths:
- Have tournament pedigree and squad depth.
- Tactical discipline and defense.
Weaknesses:
- Overreliance on key players, particularly Sadio Mane.
- Significant injury concerns.
Benin: A much-needed return for the Cheetahs
After a six-year absence, Benin have come knocking on the doors of AFCON, ready to make a lasting impression on their return.
The Cheetahs might be underdogs in Group D, but this is not a side that needs to be taken lightly. In 2019, they turned out to be surprise packages. It was their first appearance after a nine-year absence, but they still managed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
However, they couldn't progress beyond that stage as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against runners-up Senegal. As they meet again in the current edition, this could turn into a sweet revenge narrative.
Having coached the Nigerian national football team from 2016 until 2021, head coach Gernot Rohr now finds himself at the Bight of Benin coast, and his ambitions for the team couldn't be clearer: question the established power structure in Group D and secure another historic knockout stage appearance for the second time in five editions.
Strengths:
- Tactical awareness.
- Organized defensive structure.
Weakness:
- Lack of attacking output.
- Disciplinary and suspension issues.
Botswana: The Southern African side has the underdog tag
Botswana are the opposite of a traditional powerhouse in African football. On top of that, a majority of the footballing community expect the Southern African side to finish as the ceiling dwellers in Group D of the 2025 AFCON. However, the Zebras beg to differ in this one. Morena Ramoreboli's charges are aware that they enter the competition as underdogs, but are out to prove they are more than capable of operating at the highest level with the best of the best.
This rings true for a side that finished as runners-up in Group C of the qualification stage, while record-holders of the AFCON, Egypt, topped the group. They beat the likes of Mauritania and Cape Verde.
Ranked 138th in the FIFA Rankings, they are making their second appearance in this competition. Their first appearance came in 2012 when they finished at the bottom in the group stages with a 3-0-0 record.
Strengths:
- Disciplined defensive organization.
- Intangible team spirit and determination.
Weakness:
- Lack of attacking output.
- Players based in regional and domestic leagues only.
DR Congo: Leopards can pose a threat to the Group D favorites
The Democratic Republic of Congo might not be the favorites to top Group D according to the AFCON betting odds, but finishing as runners-up is something they'll take pride in accomplishing. However, it must be mentioned that they are the most successful nation in this group, taking into account the number of trophies collected.
For a side that takes up second place in any competition, they tend to pose a threat to the table toppers, and that's why Sebastien Desabre's men shouldn't be underestimated in this group. How can we forget that they recently ended Nigeria's dreams of playing in the 2026 World Cup by causing a major upset in the intercontinental play-offs?
The Leopards were a powerhouse in the late 1960s and early 70s. They used this period to their advantage, winning the AFCON twice: first in 1968 against Ghana and second in 1974 against Zambia.
In the previous edition, they reached the semi-finals in the Ivory Coast but couldn't progress any further. This also makes them a team to beat in their group as they seek to replicate that past performance again and, this time, reach the finals for the third time.
Strengths:
- Boast tournament pedigree
- Organized defensive structure
Weakness:
- Inconsistent performances
- Lack of attacking output.
