Senegal and Botswana meet on Tuesday at the Grand Stade de Tanger as both teams begin their AFCON 2025 campaign. Senegal arrive as one of the tournament favourites, while Botswana look to upset the odds in just their second appearance at an AFCON finals. Senegal comes into the tournament with confidence. They went unbeaten in qualification, conceded only 1 goal, and have been strong in recent matches. Their squad is packed with experience, led by Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Ismaila Sarr. Under new head coach Pape Thiaw, the Teranga Lions are seen as one of the teams to beat.
Botswana arrives with less pressure but plenty of motivation. They qualified after finishing second in their group, highlighted by a famous 1-1 draw against Egypt. While results since then have been mixed, the Zebras will focus on staying compact and competitive. Senegal are without winger Assane Diao due to injury, but most of their key players are fit. Mane, Koulibaly, and Pape Sarr are all available, while Ismaila Sarr and Diarra have shaken off minor fitness concerns. Botswana reports no injury problems and brings a settled squad, mostly drawn from the domestic league, with a few players based abroad.Senegal vs Botswana: Key Stats
📊 Head-to-head: Senegal 2 wins, Botswana 0 wins
📊 Senegal: Unbeaten in their last 34 matches
📊 Senegal: Scored in their last 18 games
📊 Senegal: Won their last 4 matches
📊 Botswana: 3 wins in their last 21 away games
Predicted Lineups
🦁Senegal (4-3-3)
Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Gueye, Camara, P. Sarr; Ndiaye, Mane, I. Sarr
🦓 Botswana (4-3-3)
Kaosipula; Velaphi, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Johnson; Seakanyeng, Mohutiswa, Ditsele; Boy, Sesinyi, Orebonye
Players and Matchups to Watch
🔹 Ademola Lookman – Link between midfield and attack
🔹 Simon Msuva – Experience and leadership for Tanzania
🔹 Mbwana Samatta – Tanzania’s main goal threat