Prediction: Senegal vs Botswana

Verdict: Total Senegal goals over 2.5

Best odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group D clash between Senegal and Botswana takes place on Tuesday at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Morocco, as both nations kick off their campaigns with contrasting ambitions.

Senegal enter as one of the tournament favourites, while Botswana aim to upset the odds and claim their first-ever win at an AFCON finals.

Senegal

The Teranga Lions arrive for their 18th AFCON appearance—and sixth in a row—after lifting the trophy in 2021. Their qualification campaign for Morocco 2025 was near flawless, going unbeaten in six matches, conceding just once, and finishing with the joint-best defensive record alongside Mali.

Sadio Mane and Habib Diarra led the scoring charts in qualifying with three goals each, highlighting Senegal’s attacking depth. Preparations included a historic 3-1 friendly win over England in June, followed by a 2-0 loss to Brazil and an emphatic 8-0 demolition of Kenya in November. In World Cup qualifiers, they swept aside Mauritania and South Sudan before edging DR Congo 3-2, scoring 22 goals and conceding only four across six games.

Team News

Senegal will be without Assane Diao, ruled out with a thigh injury, but head coach Thiaw retains a strong squad.

Ismaila Sarr, Diarra, and Ismail Jakobs have shaken off fitness concerns, while Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Pape Sarr are all fit and ready.

Botswana

Botswana return to AFCON for only the second time, their first since 2012 when they exited at the group stage without a point. Qualification for Morocco 2025 was historic, sealed with a crucial 1-1 draw against Egypt in November 2024. Their recent form includes a 2-0 win over Somalia, defeats to Algeria and Mozambique, a narrow loss to Uganda, and a 2-2 draw with Guinea, capped by a 2-1 friendly defeat to Tunisia in December.

Under Morena Ramoreboli—the first South African to coach another nation at AFCON—the Zebras seek their maiden tournament victory, despite a squad largely drawn from the domestic league.

Team News

Botswana report no injuries or withdrawals, arriving at full strength.

Only five players ply their trade abroad, including midfielder Renei Batlokwa of Maldon & Tiptree in England’s Isthmian League North Division.

Head-to-Head

Senegal and Botswana have met six times in competitive fixtures, with Senegal winning five and drawing one. The Zebras have never beaten the Teranga Lions, and their last encounter ended in a 3-0 victory for Senegal during AFCON 2023 qualifying. Historically, Senegal have scored 13 goals against Botswana while conceding just two, underlining the gulf in pedigree.

Conclusion

Senegal’s experience, depth, and attacking firepower make them overwhelming favourites to start with a win. Botswana’s resilience may keep the scoreline respectable, but the Lions are expected to maintain their strong opening-day record and take all three points in Tanger.

Verdict: Total Senegal goals over 2.5

Best odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: 888sport