The Africa Cup of Nations continues with a Group D fixture as reigning champions Senegal face Botswana. The match kicks off at 3 PM GMT.
Senegal, widely tipped as a leading contender for the title, enters the tournament with significant momentum. Their squad boasts considerable experience, featuring players active in top European leagues. Botswana, making only their second appearance at the finals, will be aiming to secure their first-ever positive result in the competition, having lost all three group matches in their 2012 debut.
The day’s earlier match in the group saw DR Congo secure a 1-0 victory over Benin, thanks to a goal from Theo Bongonda. DR Congo will face Senegal next, while Benin is set to meet Botswana.
Team News
The Senegalese lineup is expected to be anchored by Edouard Mendy in goal, with a defense marshaled by Kalidou Koulibaly. Their attack is likely to be led by Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson. Botswana’s squad relies heavily on domestic-based talent, with forward Tumisang Orebonye highlighted as a key threat.
The broader tournament backdrop includes recent structural discussions. FIFA has advocated for shifting the Africa Cup of Nations from a biennial to a quadrennial cycle, arguing it would enhance commercial prospects and elevate the global stature of African football. This proposed change, however, has sparked debate among member nations concerned about the financial and developmental implications.