CAN 2025 composition, statistics, preview and TV

Overview Benin-Botswana

Benin coach Gernot Rohr said he was “satisfied” despite his side’s 1-0 defeat to DR Congo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – but the German knows the result raised the stakes for a meeting with Botswana in Rabat on Saturday.

“We have to win if we are to have any reasonable hope of qualifying,” suggested the 72-year-old, whose options have been significantly depleted against opponents 36 places above Benin in the standings.

“We absolutely have to prepare well for the match against Botswana. The advantage is that [our] The suspended boys were able to rest and will start from scratch as far as yellow cards are concerned.

“But everyone who came… played well and showed that they too will have a say in this team.”

Botswana lost 3-0 to 2021 champions Senegal, but coach Morena Ramoreboli described himself as “very proud” of his players.

“There were times when you could see that we were playing against a very good team that was waiting for us to make mistakes,” Ramoreboli said.

Benin introduces itself #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 with high hopes ✨

How far will their story go? 🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/17km5Ovls4

– CAN TotalEnergies 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025

“[Those] can only come from individual genius. When you try to deal with it, you learn and you say “this is what we needed to do in this situation.”

“Unfortunately, you can only correct mistakes after they happen. But honestly, it was a very good match.”

Benin-Botswana team news

Benign Top scorer and captain Steve Mounie, who plays for Alanyaspor on loan from Augsburg and is seen as a focal point of Rohr’s attack, is in contention to return.

The coach also highlighted the importance of the availability of starting goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and defender Mohamed Tijani after the suspensions, as did striker Andreas Hountondji and midfielder Junior Olaitan.

Rohr praised 22-year-old right-back Tamimou Ouorou and 19-year-old striker Rodolfo Aloko, who both started against DR Congo, as well as midfielder Romaric Amoussou, who came off the bench.

Sublex. Pastors Gilbert, Pastors Gilbert.

Benin versus Botswana: the line-ups planned for CAN 2025

Benin starting lineup: Marcel Djinus, Raisid Miumini, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Zamed, Tamimou Ouor, Rodolho, Aloko, Sesi D’Almida, Junior Olaitan, Junior Olaitan.

Botswana starting lineup: Gotseone, Alford Velaphi, Youth Gaolaolwe, The Assistant Johnson, Thabang Crime, Getting Video, Mothusi Cooper, thank you, Resources, Assignment, Servor, Subtle

Botswana marks a historic comeback 🇧🇼

The Zebras return to the continental track with their 2nd campaign. 💪#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/EeOahQPbll

– CAN TotalEnergies 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 20, 2025

How to watch Benin vs Botswana: TV channel, live stream online

Kick-off on Saturday will be at 12:30 GMT (07:30 ET / 04:30 PT). In the UK, live CAN 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channels. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.

Online live streaming is available on a wide range of devices via Channel 4 website and the beIN Sports app and app.

Beninv Botswana: CAN 2025 statistics

• Benin is making its fifth appearance at the finals, having participated in 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2019.
• They have yet to win an open play match in the 15-game tournament (D5 L10)
• The Cheetahs lost their first six AFCON matches, avoiding defeat for the first time with a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in 2010.
• They drew all three of their group matches in 2019, beating Morocco on penalties in the round of 16 after a 1-1 draw before losing 1-0 to Senegal in the quarter-finals.
• Rohr is in his fourth AFCON finals, having led Nigeria in 2019 – finishing third – Niger in 2013 and Gabon in 2012.
• Botswana returned to the tournament after a 13-year absence, having made their debut in 2012.
• They have lost their four CAN matches, suffering defeats against Ghana (1-0), Guinea (6-1) and Mali (2-1) in 2012.
• Mogakolodi Ngele’s goal against Mali in 2012 is the only time they have scored first in a tournament match.
• Ramoreboli is the first South African coach to lead another nation to the AFCON finals
• With four goals in qualifying, Botswana is the country that has scored the fewest goals among the qualified teams, alongside Sudan.