Senegal and Botswana square off today in Tangier as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially gets underway.
Kickoff is set for 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT) at the Grand Stade de Tanger, with a lot riding on both teams in this crucial Group D encounter.
Senegal, the reigning African champions from 2021, come in as heavy favourites. Head coach Pape Thiaw hasn’t tinkered with his squad, sticking with a settled lineup that features established stars.
Sadio Mané will once again be the face of the attack, supported by Ismaila Sarr and Krepin Diatta. Kalidou Koulibaly marshals a defense that has looked impenetrable in recent matches.
The squad is so stable that even earlier fitness doubts around Ismaila Sarr, Diarra, and Ismail Jakobs have resolved, allowing Thiaw to field his preferred XI.
The only absentee is winger Assane Diao, who misses out with a right thigh injury.
Botswana, nicknamed the Zebras, face an uphill battle but are relishing their underdog status. They come into the tournament with little pressure and a desire to surprise.
Their likely strategy will be pragmatic: sit deep, absorb pressure, and try to hit on the counter.
They don’t have household names in their ranks, so expect a team-focused, workmanlike setup.
Predicted Lineups
- Senegal (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Jakobs, Koulibaly, Diallo, Sabaly; Gana Gueye, Nampalys Mendy; Sarr, Diatta, Mané; Habib Diallo
- Botswana: (predicted) Dambe; Thabantsho, Setsile, Seakanyeng, Gaolaolwe; Leepile, Orebonye, Baruti, Ditlhokwe; Gomolemo, Sikele
Senegal arrive as one of the tournament favorites, fresh off an undefeated run in qualifiers.
The balance between their defensive solidity and the firepower of Mané and Sarr makes them a daunting challenge for any opponent.
Botswana, by contrast, qualified in less convincing fashion and will need something special to earn points here.
Most analysts and betting experts expect Senegal to control the game and win comfortably, with many predicting two or more goals scored.
A 2-0 or 3-1 win for Senegal looks a common prediction across the board (Sportskeeda, Football Whispers).
There’s a sense that the Lions of Teranga could be using this game as a springboard to announce their intent for the entire tournament.
Anything can happen in tournament football, and Botswana will look to frustrate and counter.
But with the strength and form of Senegal, the safe bet is a comfortable win for the defending champions as AFCON 2025 gets underway in Morocco.
