The final round of Group D fixtures in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is upon us. Consequently, all eyes turn to Al Barid Stadium for a crucial clash. Botswana’s Zebras face off against DR Congo’s Leopards in a match with very different implications for each side. The game is set for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, kicking off at 19:00 local and UK time. While one team plays for pride, the other is fighting to secure a spot in the knockout stages.

Botswana’s Fight for Pride

Botswana’s journey in Morocco 2025 has been a challenging one. After a promising qualification campaign that saw them make a strong comeback, the final tournament has proven difficult. The Zebras, currently ranked 138th by FIFA, entered this match with their fate already sealed.

Tournament Performance So Far

Unfortunately, Botswana’s hopes of progressing were ended after their first two matches. They began their campaign with a tough 3-0 loss to a formidable Senegal side on December 23rd. Following that, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin on December 27th confirmed their exit from the tournament. Therefore, this final match against DR Congo is an opportunity for the team to leave Morocco with a positive result and build for the future.

DR Congo’s Knockout Ambitions

In contrast, DR Congo comes into this final group game with everything to play for. Coached by Sébastien Desabre, Les Léopards are in a strong position to advance to the next round. Their recent form has been solid, leading to an expected four-spot jump in the FIFA rankings to 56th.

Solid Campaign and Key Players

DR Congo started their AFCON 2025 journey with a valuable 1-0 victory over Benin. Subsequently, they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against group favorites Senegal on December 27th. These results mean their destiny is firmly in their own hands. Key players have been crucial to their success.

• Cédric Bakambu: The team’s top scorer with 4 goals.
• Chancel Mbemba: The captain and most-capped player, providing stability in defense.

Match Preview and What to Expect

This final Group D fixture presents a classic football narrative. On one side, Botswana has nothing to lose and will play with freedom and for national pride. They will want to prove they can compete at this level. On the other side, DR Congo faces the pressure of expectation. They need to manage the game effectively to avoid any surprises and confirm their qualification.

While no match statistics are available yet, the contrast in motivation, recent form, and team rankings clearly positions DR Congo as the favorite. However, football is famously unpredictable, and the Zebras will be determined to cause an upset at Al Barid Stadium.

Conclusion

As the whistle blows for the final time in Group D, the fates of Botswana and DR Congo will be decided. For Botswana, it marks the end of their second-ever AFCON appearance—a valuable experience for a growing team. For DR Congo, it is a gateway to the thrilling knockout rounds of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament. This match is more than just a game; it’s about pride for one, and progress for the other.