AFCON 2025: DR Congo Vs. Benin preview
The Group D opener of AFCON 2025, scheduled for today, December 23, 2025, features an intriguing clash between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat. Both teams enter the tournament with distinct narratives: the Leopards are looking to build on their impressive fourth-place finish from the previous edition, while the Cheetahs are returning to the continental stage after missing the last two tournaments.
The Group D Dynamics
Group D is largely viewed as a battle for the second automatic qualification spot. Senegal enters the group as the heavy favorite to finish first, while Botswana is perceived as the underdog. This makes today’s fixture a critical “six-pointer.” A victory for DR Congo would consolidate their status as a rising African power, whereas a result for Benin would validate the progress made under Gernot Rohr and put them in a strong position to advance, either as runners-up or as one of the best third-placed teams.
Squad News and Top Players
DR Congo boasts a squad laden with European experience. Captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille) remains the defensive heartbeat, supported by West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who brings elite one-on-one defending to the flank. In midfield, Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki has emerged as a key young talent, providing vertical energy. Despite the absence of Yoane Wissa, the attack remains potent with the veteran Cédric Bakambu and the pace of Meschack Elia.
Benin’s hopes rest on the shoulders of captain Steve Mounié (Alanyaspor), whose aerial prowess is a focal point of their attack. He is complemented by the clinical Tosin Aiyegun and the creative Jodel Dossou. However, Benin’s preparations have been complicated by news that up to five players, including key defensive and goalkeeping options, may be sidelined for this opener due to administrative or disciplinary reasons from the qualifying phase.
Predicted Starting Lineups
DR Congo (4-3-3):
- GK: Lionel Mpasi
- DF: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku
- MF: Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki, Charles Pickel
- FW: Meschack Elia, Cédric Bakambu, Nathanaël Mbuku
Benin (4-1-4-1):
- GK: Saturnin Allagbé
- DF: Rachid Moumini, Olivier Verdon, Yohan Roche, David Kiki
- MF: Sessi D’Almeida (Holding), Dodo Dokou, Imourane Hassane, Jodel Dossou, Tosin Aiyegun
- FW: Steve Mounié
Coaching Philosophies and Press Conference Insights
Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo) has fostered a sense of calm and discipline within his squad. In his pre-match press conference, he described AFCON as the “biggest competition on the continent” and emphasized that his team must be “serious and rigorous” to avoid an upset. He noted that while he respects Gernot Rohr and knows Benin well, his primary focus is on the Leopards’ own tactical balance and resilience.
Gernot Rohr, a veteran of African football, admitted that the challenge is steep given the missing personnel. He told reporters on Monday that his ambition is simple: “to win a very first match for Benin in the AFCON,” noting that the nation has historically struggled to secure three points in normal time. Rohr remains confident, stating that his available players are “hungry” and ready to show that the squad’s strength lies in its collective spirit rather than individual names.
Tactical Approach
Expect DR Congo to be the protagonists, utilizing their athletic full-backs to stretch the pitch and dominate the ball in the middle third. Their high-press system under Desabre is designed to force turnovers and exploit transitions quickly. Benin, under Rohr, will likely adopt a more conservative, compact shape. They will look to absorb pressure and utilize the physical presence of Mounié to win long balls and create chances from set-pieces, which could be a vulnerability for the Congolese defense.
