Benin vs Bostwana: Two nations seeking redemption in Group D have their sights on three points

by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo

image Benin vs Bostwana: Two nations seeking redemption in Group D have their sights on three points
After suffering defeats in their opening matches, Benin and Botswana will be hoping to secure their first three points in the 2025 African Cup of Nations. They battle it out at Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Abdellah on matchday two in a Group D clash.

Benin: Can the Cheetahs get the job done?

Benin won't focus much on their opening defeat against DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, considering they were underdogs destined to drop points.

However, the numbers in that match didn't depict a side with an underdog tag behind their backs but a resilient and determined nation hungry for three points and an opportunity to prove themselves on Africa's biggest stage.

The Cheetahs had 62% of ball possession and registered 11 shots at goal, but could only find the target once, highlighting their limited attacking pressure, which has been a major concern. Their 1-0 defeat to the Leopards means they've failed to score in their last three matches.

To make matters worse, they've gone 15 matches without a win in the AFCON finals. During this period, they lost ten matches and secured five draws.

Another spirited performance in this impending encounter could see them register their first three points and finally put an end to their unwanted run in this tournament.

Benin AFCON facts:

  • Benin have conceded a goal in 14 of their last 16 AFCON finals.
  • Benin are winless in their last two matches against Southern African Nations.
  • Benin are winless in their last four matches in the second group stage game.

Botswana: The Zebras could struggle again

botswana during afcon 2025Bostwana have to be the lowest-ranked team in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations, and because of that, they are expected to finish at the bottom of the table. Having already conceded three goals, there's no doubt there'll struggle for favorable results in this competition. 

The Zebras did not begin the tournament on a positive note and suffered a 3-0 defeat against the one-time champions, Senegal. The result was far from surprising, considering they were up against a superior squad. Apart from that, failing to register a single shot on target was the one key ingredient that turned out to be their undoing. 

Due to that result, Botswana have now lost each of their last four matches in this competition. Defeat here would mark their fifth consecutive loss. However, they'll be hoping to put an end to that losing streak this Saturday.

Considering their opponents have shown close to nothing in the second group stage games, failing to win in their last four matches, with three of those outings ending in defeat, will the Zebras be able to capitalize on this and secure a hard-fought win?

Bostwana AFCON facts:

  • Botswana have lost their last four AFCON matches.
  • Botswana have conceded a goal in each of their AFCON matches.
  • Botswana are meeting Benin for the first time in their history.