Match Preview: Senegal vs Botswana – AFCON 2025

Senegal, the African powerhouse, begin their AFCON 2025 campaign against Botswana in Casablanca. This fixture highlights the contrast between a title contender and a team still seeking its first major breakthrough.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total meetings: Limited, with Senegal historically dominant.
• Senegal wins: Multiple victories in AFCON qualifiers and friendlies.
• Botswana wins: None recorded against Senegal.
• Recent clash: Senegal defeated Botswana 2–0 in AFCON 2023 qualifiers.

Previous AFCON Performances

Senegal (Teranga Lions):

• Titles: 1 (2021, beating Egypt on penalties).
• Other highlights: Runners-up in 2002 and 2019.
• Recent form: Semi-finalists in AFCON 2023, eliminated by Côte d’Ivoire.
• Consistency: Regular contenders, with a golden generation led by Sadio Mané.

Botswana (The Zebras):

• Best finish: Group stage (2012, their only AFCON appearance).
• Debut: 2012.
• Consistency: Rare qualifiers, often struggling in Southern African competition.
• Identity: Known for resilience but lacking depth compared to continental heavyweights.

Players to Watch

Senegal:

• Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr forward): The talisman, still central to Senegal’s attack.
• Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace winger): Pace and creativity on the flanks.
• Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal defender): Defensive leader, brings stability.

Botswana:

• Mothusi Cooper (veteran midfielder): Experience midfielder Maestro from Township Rollers
• Thabang Sesinyi (Jwaneng Galaxy forward): Brings energy and unpredictability.
• Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Al-Ettihad defender): Organizes the backline, Botswana’s most high-profile player.

Comparison Table

Category	Senegal	Botswana
AFCON Titles	1 (2021)	0
Best Finish	Champions (2021)	Group stage (2012)
Head-to-Head Record	Dominant vs Botswana	No wins vs Senegal
Recent Highlight	Semi-final (2023)	Qualified once (2012)
Star Players	Mané, Sarr, Koulibaly, Mendy	Cooper, Sesinyi, Ditlhokwe

Outlook

• Senegal: Heavy favorites, with world-class talent across the pitch and tournament pedigree.
• Botswana: Underdogs, relying on defensive organization and counter-attacks to stay competitive.
• Prediction: Senegal’s depth and experience should secure a comfortable win, but Botswana will aim to frustrate and limit damage.