The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 continues this afternoon with a crucial Group D clash between tournament favourites Senegal and underdogs Botswana. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm GMT at a venue yet to be confirmed, marking the second match of the group stage. The reigning champions from 2021, Senegal, enter the competition with high expectations following a statement victory over England earlier this year.
Senegal's Favourites Tag and Pre-Match Context
The Senegalese squad, managed by Aliou Cissé, carries the weight of being one of the pre-tournament favourites, a status only behind hosts Morocco in many predictions. This confidence is bolstered by their impressive 3-1 win against England at the City Ground in June, a performance that showcased their quality on the international stage. Midfielder Lamine Camara has publicly embraced the pressure, stating the team should be considered the favourites to lift the trophy.
Their squad is replete with stars familiar to followers of European football. Key players include Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, the experienced Sadio Mané, Tottenham's Pape Sarr, and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The depth and experience within the team make them formidable opponents for any side in the competition.
Botswana's Uphill Battle and Tournament History
For Botswana, the challenge is monumental. Their only previous appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations came in 2012, where they lost all three of their group-stage matches. Their ambition this time will be to secure a first-ever positive result at the finals. However, they cannot be entirely discounted; their qualification campaign included notable home and away victories against Cape Verde, a nation that has qualified for the upcoming World Cup.
The Zebras' squad is predominantly domestically based, but they will look to forward Tumisang Orebonye to provide a spark in attack. If Botswana are to pull off a seismic shock against the star-studded Senegalese, Orebonye will likely be central to their plans.
Broader Tournament Backdrop and Infantino's Influence
This edition of the Afcon follows significant controversy regarding the tournament's future schedule. In a move that surprised many observers, FIFA President Gianni Infantino successfully advocated for the competition to switch from a biennial to a quadrennial event. Speaking at a Confederation of African Football (CAF) seminar in Rabat in February 2020, attended by dignitaries including former Liberian President George Weah, Infantino labelled the previous two-year cycle "useless."
He argued that a four-year gap would be more commercially beneficial and help project African football to the top of the world. This decision, while aligned with FIFA's vision, has raised concerns among some African nations who fear the financial impact of hosting the prestigious tournament less frequently.
In the other Group D fixture played earlier today, DR Congo took a 1-0 lead into half-time against Benin, thanks to a goal from Theo Bongonda. The result of that match will set the early context for Senegal and Botswana as they vie for position in a competitive group.
All eyes will now be on whether Senegal can justify their favourites tag with a commanding start, or if Botswana can script a historic upset and ignite their 2025 Afcon campaign.
