Benin and Senegal conclude their Group D action this Tuesday in Tangier, with both nations sensing a clear path to the Round of 16 following a weekend of high drama.
The Lions of Teranga sit atop the group with four points after Sadio Mané’s second-half equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw against a resilient DR Congo. Benin, meanwhile, breathed new life into their campaign by securing their first-ever AFCON victory—a 1-0 win over Botswana—to move into third place.
A draw would likely see both teams progress, but with top spot in the group up for grabs, a cautious yet competitive encounter is expected.
Match details: Time and Venue
The fixture is the primary focus of the Group D finale, moving the action to the northern coast as the group’s final standings are settled.
- Date: Tuesday, 30 December 2025
- Kick-off: 19:00 GMT (20h00 local time)
- Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
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Where to watch the game globally
The clash will be broadcast to a global audience as the group stage reaches its climax:
- UK: Channel 4 (Free-to-air) and the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
- USA & Canada: beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español; streaming via Fubo and Fanatiz.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (English/Portuguese) and Canal+ Afrique (French).
- North Africa & MENA: beIN SPORTS MENA.
- South Africa: SABC and the SABC+ app.
- Australia & NZ: beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Team news
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has a slight concern over Ismaïla Sarr, who was withdrawn early against DR Congo while nursing a recurring ankle issue. However, the Lions are expected to field their heavyweight core, with Nicolas Jackson looking to add to his tournament tally and Sadio Mané aiming to score in back-to-back games. El Hadji Malick Diouf is expected to keep his place at left-back after an impressive showing on Saturday.
Benin manager Gernot Rohr is unlikely to tinker with the side that made history against Botswana. Yohan Roche, the match-winner in Rabat, will anchor the defense alongside Mohamed Tijani. The Cheetahs welcome back the physical presence of Steve Mounié as a focal point, while Junior Olaitan remains their primary creative outlet. Benin continues to be without Andreas Hountondji, who is sidelined with a thigh injury.
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64-year curse
For Benin, this match is about more than just points; it is a battle against a psychological barrier that has stood for over six decades:
- Long wait: Benin’s only victory over Senegal came in December 1961 (a 4-3 win). In the 64 years since, they have failed to beat the Lions in nine attempts, losing seven of those encounters.
- “Mané” menace: Sadio Mané has a clinical record against the Cheetahs, including a famous hat-trick in 2022. He has been involved in five goals in his last four appearances against them.
- Defensive discipline: Both teams have shown incredible resilience; none of Benin’s last nine international matches have seen both teams score, while Senegal has kept five clean sheets in their last six victories.
Coach Gernot Rohr is optimistic after the breakthrough win:
“We have finally tasted victory at AFCON, and that has changed the atmosphere in the camp. We know Senegal is a giant of Africa, but we have shown we can be organized and suffer for a result. We go to Tangier with our heads high and our destiny in our own hands.”
Group D
| Team | G | W | D | L | GD | P |
| Senegal | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 4 |
| DR Congo | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| Benin | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Botswana | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -4 | 0 |
