Both Benin and Botswana enter their crucial Group D clash desperate for a positive result. The upcoming match on December 27, 2025, represents a vital opportunity for both nations to secure their first points in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. After suffering defeats in their opening fixtures, this encounter has become a must-win for any side harbouring ambitions of advancing to the knockout stages. This will be the first-ever AFCON meeting between the two countries, adding a layer of unpredictability to the contest.

Benin’s Possession Game Seeks a Winning Edge

Benin’s opening match against DR Congo ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat. However, the statistics tell a story of dominance without the final product. The Cheetahs are looking to end a challenging run, as they are currently winless in their last 15 matches at the AFCON finals.

Despite the loss, Benin showed promising signs. Specifically, they controlled the game with an impressive 60% possession, their highest ever in a single AFCON match. This control was built on a solid passing foundation, completing 380 passes compared to DR Congo’s 224.

Several key players stood out for Benin:

• Olivier Verdon: The defender was a commanding presence, registering a game-high 98 touches and attempting 89 passes.
• Richard Mounié: The forward was a constant threat, completing five successful dribbles and winning 10 duels, both the most in the game.

Ultimately, Benin must translate this midfield control into goals to break their winless streak. Their performance against Botswana will be a true test of their offensive capabilities.

Botswana’s Defensive Wall and Goalkeeping Heroics

In contrast, Botswana faced an overwhelming offensive onslaught in their opening fixture, losing 3-0 to a powerful Senegal side. The Zebras have now lost all four of their AFCON matches to date and are fighting to avoid an unwanted record. A fifth consecutive loss would see them join Benin as the only teams to lose their first five matches in the tournament’s history.

The defensive statistics from their first match are stark. Botswana failed to register a single shot on target, a first for the team at AFCON. Consequently, they were under immense pressure, facing 17 shots on target from Senegal. This is the most any team has faced in an AFCON match since records began in 2010.

However, a hero emerged from the siege. Goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko delivered a historic performance, making an incredible 14 saves. This set a new record for the most saves by a goalkeeper in a single AFCON match. His resilience single-handedly prevented an even larger margin of defeat and will be crucial against Benin.

Conclusion: A Clash of Styles with High Stakes

This Group D match presents a fascinating contrast. On one side, Benin’s possession-based, methodical approach will probe for weaknesses. On the other hand, Botswana’s resilience and the proven brilliance of their goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko, will aim to frustrate and counter.

With both teams on zero points, the outcome is critical. For Benin, it’s about converting dominance into victory. For Botswana, it’s about shoring up their defence and finding a clinical edge to rewrite their AFCON story.