TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Unpredictable outcome in dicey Group D
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 promises to pick up from the exceptionally high standards set in Cote d’Ivoire last year.
Following the official draw of the group stages for the 24-qualified nations, the battle lines have officially been drawn for the 35th edition of Africa’s biggest football spectacle set for Morocco between 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026.
An interesting Group that emerged from the draw conducted last month in Rabat was that of Group D, which saw Benin, Botswana, DR Congo, Senegal all housed together in a dicey pool.
While Senegal and DR Congo may seem to the obvious choice for teams that will most like progress from the group, the Cote d’Ivoire finals evidently proved that the gap has significantly narrowed in African football.
CAFOnline takes a look at the team’s equal chances of progression.
Benin
Despite missing out on the last two editions, with the last appearance being the 2019 finals in Egypt, Benin will be no push overs in Morocco.
Yet to make their mark like their West African counterparts on the continent, Benin are preparing to make their fifth appearance and will be under the guidance of highly experienced tactician Guernot Rohr who guided the Super Eagles to a bronze medal in Egypt.
A team highly determined to make a name for themselves at the continental stage, Benin who will be looking at on-field inspiration from players such as captain, Steve Mounié as when they kick off their campaign against DR Congo on 23 December.
Botswana
Comfortably carrying the “Underdogs” title, Southern African nation Botswana are preparing to make their second TotalEnergies CAF AFCON appearance.
It has been a 13-year wait for the Zebras who last appeared at the 2012 finals where they exited without a single point.
A significant improvement has been made in football development since then for the nation, with sides like Jwaneng Galaxy causing major upsets in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League against quality sides such as Orlando Pirates and Wydad AC.
Led by Morena Ramorobeli, touted to be one of the next best African coaches in the near future, Botswana look to continue their gradual climb up the African football ladder.
DR Congo
Agonisingly falling short of a podium finish at last year’s finals in Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo head to the Morocco finals a highly determined side.
The former African champions who are yearning a third continental title after their 1968 and 1974 wins, are one of the teams to watch in this year’s edition.
A team with exciting and experienced talent such as England-based Yoane Wissa, The Leopards will not only be the firm group favourites, but head to Morocco with the aim of going all the way and ending the lengthy TotalEnergies CAF AFCON draught.
Senegal
A disappointing ending for the Indomitable Lions in Cote d’Ivoire that saw them bow out of the competition in the Round of 16 at the hands of the hosts will fuel the former champions’ hunger for gold.
Led by Pape Thiaw who has an array of talent at his disposal from the likes of experienced campaigners, Sadio Mane to the exciting Lamine Camara, the 2021 champions will be looking at erasing last year’s disappointment with nothing less than a second TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title.
The former champions officially kick off their campaign against underdogs, Botswana on 23 December.
