Benin-Senegal : Progression Battle

Benin will meet Senegal in a high-stakes Group D encounter of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, counting for match day 3 of the competition. The game is billed for today, December 30, 2025, 8 p.m. at Grand Stade de Tanger. It will be a decisive one because both teams will be seeking to assure their place in the round of 16.
Senegal comes in with four points, following a win against Botswana and a hard-fought draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This means the Senegalese have put one foot into the round of 16 and are playing today to confirm their status; a situation that should not be taken lightly given that Benin will be coming in with high hopes and motivation. Benin recorded a landmark victory at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, edging Botswana 1–0 to secure their first-ever win in the history of the continental showpiece. The sides have met once previously at the AFCON finals, at the 2019 tournament, where Senegal edged a tight quarter-final encounter 1-0 courtesy of a 70th-minute strike from Idrissa Gueye. In that tournament, Benin progressed to the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams following three draws. After which, they played a 1-1 draw with Morocco in the round of 16 and only won on penalties. It was thus in the quarterfinals that their run ended when they were defeated by Senegal. Overall, the teams have faced each other nine times. Senegal has won seven of these matches.
Based on this record, the Teranga Lions are favourites in this...