Senegal vs Botswana: Match Preview and Prediction

December 23, 2025. 17:00. Tangier. Grand Stadium
Group Stage. Group C. Round 1

Senegal - Botswana

Where to watch: MEGOGO

Injured: Diao (Senegal)

Senegal vs. Botswana: Betting Odds

Tuesday marks the start of the CAN-2025 match for the teams in Group D. In Tangier, at the Grand Stade, the favorite of the tournament Senegal begins its campaign. They will play against the underdog Botswana. DR Congo and Benin close the group.

Senegal

Senegal finally fulfilled the dreams of its fans in 2021, becoming the best team in Africa. Earlier in the 21st century, the Lions of Teranga finished second twice and fourth once. Last year, despite a perfect group stage with three wins, they were eliminated in the round of 16, losing on penalties to eventual champions Côte d'Ivoire. However, Senegal continues to improve and enter this continental competition as strong contenders for the title.

This time, Pape Thiau takes the reins, having replaced Aliou Cisse as head coach in 2024. Cisse was the head coach of the Lions' biggest wins, so it will be difficult to surpass him. However, under Thiau, Senegal are showing that they are ready for the big challenges. They easily qualified for CAN 2025, drawing only one of their six matches and conceding only one goal. Their third consecutive World Cup qualification proved more difficult with stiff competition from DR Congo, but they are unbeaten in 10 matches - three draws and a 22-3 goal difference underline their form. Summer friendlies against France and Norway will be tough tests, but Senegal appear ready.

Senegal have played three games in preparation for the CAN, including a memorable 3-1 away win over England thanks to goals from Sarr, Diarra and Sabali. Despite losing 0-2 to Brazil, they finished the match with a crushing 8-0 win over Kenya. So, with 22 goals scored and just four conceded in their last six games, the Lions head into their first match of the tournament full of confidence. They won both of their previous meetings with Botswana in the 2014 CAN qualifiers, without conceding a goal. In their opening 17 matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal have lost just twice, winning their last five.

Botswana

While Senegal are keen on the trophy, qualifying for the CAN itself is a huge feat for Botswana. This is only the Zebras' second appearance in history. Their debut in 2012 was dismal - three group stage defeats, two goals conceded and no hope of making the playoffs. Under Ramoreboli, they are once again the group's underdogs, so any point, or better yet, a win, would be a huge success.

In the 2025 CAN qualifiers, Botswana edged Mauritania and Cape Verde to second place; Cape Verde were visibly shocked to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. A draw with group leaders Egypt in November 2024 secured their place. However, World Cup qualification has failed. They have only beaten the hapless Somalia in their group, losing to Uganda, Mozambique, Guinea and a dominant Algeria, who progressed comfortably.

Regardless of how the tournament unfolds for Botswana, it is a historic occasion for coach Ramoreboli, the first South African to coach another country at the CAN. Don't expect any surprises, though; they have won just once in 2025, against Somalia. Defeats to Algeria (twice in qualifying) and Tunisia in a friendly in December suggest they will struggle against the top teams. Even a draw against Senegal would be monumental.

Senegal vs Botswana: Predicted Line-ups

Assan Diao was ruled out of Senegal's squad just before the tournament due to injury. The rest of Thiau's call-ups have already been announced, including Sarr, Diarra and Jacobs, who have recently suffered minor injuries. Botswana's squad is largely made up of domestic league players, with Ramoreboli's team playing without injuries.

Senegal's possible starting line-up:

Dieng; Diatta, Coulibaly, Niahate, Diouf; Geye, Kamara; Ndiaye, P. Sarr, Mane; Jackson

Botswana's possible starting line-up:

Kaopula; Velafi, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Johnson; Sikanyeng, Mohutsiva, Ditsele; Boy, Sessini, Orebonye

Senegal vs Botswana: Author's Prediction

If Senegal live up to their potential from the start, they are expected to crush Botswana. I expect their third ever win over the Zebras to be a clean sweep.