"Senegal enter as one of the tournament favourites, while Botswana aim to upset the odds and claim their first-ever win at an AFCON finals. Senegal The Teranga Lions arrive for their 18th AFCON appearance-and sixth in a row-after lifting the trophy in 2021. Their qualification campaign for Morocco 2025 was near flawless, going unbeaten in six matches, conceding just once, and finishing with the joint-best defensive record alongside Mali."
"Sadio Mane and Habib Diarra led the scoring charts in qualifying with three goals each, highlighting Senegal's attacking depth. Preparations included a historic 3-1 friendly win over England in June, followed by a 2-0 loss to Brazil and an emphatic 8-0 demolition of Kenya in November. In World Cup qualifiers, they swept aside Mauritania and South Sudan before edging DR Congo 3-2, scoring 22 goals and conceding only four across six games."
"Botswana return to AFCON for only the second time, their first since 2012 when they exited at the group stage without a point. Qualification for Morocco 2025 was historic, sealed with a crucial 1-1 draw against Egypt in November 2024. Their recent form includes a 2-0 win over Somalia, defeats to Algeria and Mozambique, a narrow loss to Uganda, and a 2-2 draw with Guinea, capped by a 2-1 friendly defeat to Tunisia in December."
Senegal face Botswana in Group D at the Grand Stade de Tanger for AFCON 2025. Senegal arrive as one of the tournament favourites, entering their 18th AFCON and sixth consecutive appearance after winning in 2021. Senegal qualified unbeaten, conceded once, and posted the joint-best defensive record. Key attackers include Sadio Mane and Habib Diarra, with big preparatory results such as a 3-1 win over England and an 8-0 win over Kenya; Assane Diao is injured but several starters are fit. Botswana return for their second AFCON, sealed qualification with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, and seek a first tournament win under Morena Ramoreboli.
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