Botswana and DR Congo meet this Tuesday in Rabat for their final Group D fixture, with both nations entering the match with polar opposite stakes.
While DR Congo have already secured their place in the knockout stages after an impressive start, Botswana are playing for pride as they look to end their tournament on a high note following two narrow defeats.
For the Leopards, a win would ensure they finish at the summit of the group, while the Zebras are still searching for their first-ever goal and point in the 2025 edition.
Match details: Time and Venue
The fixture takes place in Rabat, running simultaneously with the high-profile Benin vs. Senegal clash to decide the final order of Group D.
- Date: Tuesday, 30 December 2025
- Kick-off: 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time)
- Venue: Stade Al Barid, Rabat
AFCON 2025: Schedule, results and standings of the Africa Cup of Nations
Where to watch the game globally
Broadcasting remains extensive for the final group games, with several free-to-air and premium options:
- UK: Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel (Live and free).
- USA & Canada: beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español; streaming via Fubo and Fanatiz.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (English/Portuguese) and Canal+ Afrique (French).
- South Africa: SABC and the SABC+ app.
- North Africa & MENA: beIN SPORTS MENA.
- Australia & NZ: beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Team news
DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre may use this opportunity to rotate his squad, given their qualification is already secured. Veteran striker Cédric Bakambu, who netted his 21st international goal against Senegal, is one goal away from tying the all-time national record and will be eager to start. However, defender Arthur Masuaku is a doubt after being withdrawn with an injury scare in the last match; Joris Kayembe is the likely deputy if Masuaku is rested.
Nos Léopards.
Nos héros.
Nos vaillants. 🐆🇨🇩Toujours debout, toujours unis.#BendeleToujoursLikolo pic.twitter.com/J0l6HKqLql
— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) December 28, 2025
Botswana, led by Morena Ramoreboli, have no fresh injury concerns but may shuffle their attacking options to break their scoring drought. Tumisang Orebonye and Kabelo Seakanyeng are expected to lead the line again, while Mosha Gaolaolwe is set to earn another cap in the heart of a defense that has faced a tournament-high 21 shots on target across the first two games.
Goal drought vs Unbeaten run
This encounter highlights two teams at very different stages of their AFCON journey:
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Scoring curse: Botswana have never scored a goal against DR Congo in five previous meetings. Furthermore, they are looking to avoid becoming only the second team in history (after Benin) to lose their first six matches at the AFCON finals.
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Leopards on the Prowl: DR Congo are currently on their longest unbeaten run in AFCON group-stage matches (6 games) since 2017. They have also opened the scoring in eight of their last nine internationals.
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Record chaser: Cédric Bakambu’s next goal will see him equal Dieumerci Mbokani (22 goals) as the second-highest scorer in Congolese history.
Coach Sébastien Desabre is keeping his team focused on the top spot:
“We have achieved our first objective of qualifying, but we want to finish first. This group has shown great character, especially against Senegal. We respect Botswana—they are a team playing for their pride, which makes them dangerous.”
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 |
