2025 AFCON Group D Match Preview: Botswana vs Congo DR

Congo DR, already through to the knockouts, face Botswana in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group finale at Al Barid Stadium on Tuesday.

A return of four points from a possible six has propelled Congo DR into the round of 16, but in contrast, Botswana have suffered an early exit after two defeats so far, setting the stage for a finale with differing ambitions.

Entering the latest rendition of the Nations Cup as one of the dark horses worth keeping an eye on, Congo DR have further enhanced their reputation with a win and a draw so far.

Sebastien Desabre's men would have been widely expected to see off Benin in their curtain-raiser on December 23, where they emerged victorious courtesy of Theo Bongonda's 16th-minute strike to keep the juggernaut rolling.

Their next challenge came against 2021 champions Senegal, with Les Leopards taking the lead through Cedric Bakambu just past the hour mark. However, Sadio Mane's response in the 69th minute saw the match end in a draw.

That halted Congo DR's winning streak at six games, but it was enough to see them head into the knockout stages for a fifth time in six continental tournaments, either side of their no-show in 2021.

Aiming to finish top of their AFCON group for the first time since 2017, the Central Africans prepare now for a conclusive showdown against Botswana in the third-ever edition of this fixture; the first two meetings yielded one win apiece.

Botswana have the least experience and lowest ranking of the 24 participants currently vying for continental glory in Morocco, making their bid to reach the last 16 for the first time a major challenge.

Morena Ramoreboli's men were given a baptism of fire on their return to AFCON duty, losing 3-0 to Senegal in their opening fixture, before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin in their sophomore encounter.

Consequently, the Zebras became the first team mathematically eliminated from the group phase, leaving them with only pride to play for in their upcoming clash against Congo DR.

Nevertheless, a victory in Rabat would be a much-needed boost for Botswana, who have not won in nine matches since beating Somalia 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in March.

Having conceded first in five of their most recent seven matches, Botswana will have a positive start at the top of their to-do list to stand any chance of pulling off a shock win on Tuesday, but lying in wait is a Congo DR side who have broken the deadlock eight times over their last nine games.

Botswana possible starting lineup:

Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa; Ratshukudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho

Congo DR possible starting lineup:

M'Pasi; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bongonda, Bakambu

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