Benin
Profile
- Nickname: The Cheetahs
- Appearances: 4x
- Last appearance: 2019
- Titles: 0
- FIFA Ranking: 95
Benin returns to Africa’s grandest stage with ambitions to disrupt the established order at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. It marks their fifth appearance at the tournament and their first since an impressive quarter-final run in Egypt in 2019. Under the guidance of the experienced Gernot Rohr, Benin is determined to compete once again with Africa’s elite.
Qualification
Benin finished second in Group D of the qualifiers, alongside Nigeria, Rwanda, and Libya. They qualified on goal difference after ending level on points with Rwanda (8 points from 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses). Their ability to perform under pressure proved decisive in securing their return to the continental stage.
Coach: Gernot Rohr
Since his appointment in February 2023, Gernot Rohr has revitalized the Benin national team. The German-French coach brought a wealth of experience, having previously led Nigeria to a third-place finish at AFCON 2019 and taken Gabon to the quarter-finals in 2012. His structured approach and preference for the 4-2-3-1 formation have brought both balance and creativity to the Cheetahs’ play. His arrival marked a turning point after the team missed out on the 2021 and 2023 editions.
Key Player: Steve Mounié
Captain and attacking spearhead Steve Mounié is set for his second AFCON appearance. The towering striker, renowned for his aerial prowess and clinical finishing, scored twice during the qualifiers. With 19 goals in 58 international appearances, he is closing in on Stéphane Sessègnon’s national record of 24 goals.
Now 30 years old, Mounié plays in the Bundesliga for Augsburg. His experience and leadership will be vital if Benin hopes to surpass their 2019 quarter-final achievement.
Previous AFCON performances
- 2004: Group Stage
- 2008: Group Stage
- 2010: Group Stage
- 2019: Quarter-finals
Benin’s return, now with a refreshed identity as the Cheetahs, signals a new chapter for the team. With Gernot Rohr on the sidelines and Steve Mounié leading on the pitch, Benin is determined to make a lasting impression in Morocco.
Did you know?
Benin reached the quarter-finals in 2019 without winning a single match in regular time. Tactical discipline and resilience carried them far.
Botswana
Profile
- Nickname: The Zebras
- Appearances: 1x
- Last appearance: 2012
- Titles: 0
- FIFA Ranking: 136
Botswana enters the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as an underdog. The Southern African team has only one previous tournament appearance to its name. in 2012. Nevertheless, the team draws inspiration from the recent edition in Côte d’Ivoire, which showed that the level of African football has significantly improved in recent years and the gaps between teams have narrowed.
Qualification
Botswana had to fight hard for a ticket to Morocco. In Group C, they managed to finish second, against all expectations, behind record champions Egypt. The Zebras surprised both fans and critics by outperforming Mauritania and Cape Verde, thus securing their spot in the final tournament.
Coach: Morena Ramoreboli
South African coach Morena Ramoreboli has made a name for himself in Botswana. Back home, he was known for his surprising victories over stronger opponents, a reputation he has continued to uphold at Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana). Under his leadership, the team knocked out none other than Orlando Pirates (South Africa) in last season’s CAF Champions League and even defeated former champions Wydad Casablanca in Morocco.
Key Player: Tumisang Orebonye
Tumisang Orebonye is the man to watch. The 28-year-old striker plays in Morocco for AS FAR, giving him a home advantage during the tournament. He previously made headlines with Algerian club USM Alger, where he became the first Botswanan player ever to win the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
At AS FAR, he is a regular starter and has featured in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. His experience on the African stage could be a major asset for the Zebras.
Previous AFCON performances
Botswana has only participated once before at Africa’s highest football stage, in 2012. In a tough group with Ghana, Mali, and Guinea, they failed to reach the knockout stage.
Did you know?
Botswana achieved its highest-ever FIFA ranking in 2012, the same year they qualified for their only Africa Cup. They climbed to 53rd place, thanks in part to an impressive double victory over former champions Tunisia.
DR Congo
Profile
- Nickname: The Leopards
- Appearances: 19x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 2 (1968, 1974)
- FIFA Ranking: 61
The Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo are preparing for their 19th Africa Cup of Nations appearance, carrying a rich footballing history and a clear ambition: to reclaim continental glory.
Qualification
The Leopards topped Group H in the qualifiers with 12 points. Their ticket to AFCON 2025 was secured thanks to a convincing 2-0 victory over Tanzania on matchday 4.
Throughout the campaign, DR Congo displayed remarkable consistency and determination, underlining their rightful place on Africa’s biggest stage.
Coach: Sébastien Desabre
French coach Sébastien Desabre has breathed new life into the national team since his appointment in 2023. His approach is thorough and balanced: defensive solidity goes hand in hand with quick transitions and attacking creativity.
Desabre previously impressed with Uganda, whom he led to the quarter-finals of AFCON 2019. Since taking over DR Congo, he has confirmed his status as a top coach through strong qualification campaigns.
Key Player: Yoane Wissa
Yoane Wissa, 28, is one of DR Congo’s key players. His outstanding performances at the 2023 Africa Cup earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament. Big things are expected of him again in 2025.
With explosive speed and a dangerous left foot, Wissa is a nightmare for defenders. He excels in counterattacks and effortlessly turns defence into attack. As Brentford’s all-time top scorer (37 goals), he proves his worth week in, week out at club level. His leadership will be vital to Congo’s success.
Previous AFCON performances
DR Congo’s golden years came in the 1960s and 70s, with tournament victories in 1968 and 1974. The final win in 1974 against Mali (2-0) remains especially iconic.
Though followed by more difficult periods, the team has consistently shown resilience. In 2015, they secured third place after a 4-2 win over hosts Equatorial Guinea. And in 2023, they reached the semi-finals again, narrowly losing to eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire.
Did you know?
Under Desabre’s leadership, DR Congo achieved an impressive eight consecutive wins between March 2023 and November 2024. The streak ended with a loss to Guinea during qualification.
Senegal
Profiel
- Nickname: Lions of Teranga
- Appearances: 17x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 1 (2021)
- FIFA Ranking: 19
Following their historic Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2021, the Lions of Teranga are determined to reaffirm their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. For Senegal, this tournament represents more than just a chance at silverware, it’s an opportunity to reassert their dominance and continue writing their football legacy.
Qualification
Senegal secured their place at AFCON 2025 with an unbeaten qualifying campaign, achieving five wins and one draw. This puts them among an elite group of just eight nations who advanced without a loss, alongside giants like Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt.
Coach: Pape Thiaw
Pape Thiaw is ushering in a new era for Senegalese football. A former striker, he was part of the legendary team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup. His career spanned clubs in France’s Ligue 1, Spain, and Switzerland, experience he now brings to his coaching role.
After winning the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2022 with Senegal’s local squad, Thiaw was appointed head coach of the senior national team. He is known for his energetic, attacking style of play, paired with disciplined defending. With a squad blending seasoned veterans and young talents, his mission is clear: keep Senegal at the top.
Key Player: Lamine Camara
At just 21 years old, Lamine Camara is already a central figure in Senegal’s national team. He was named CAF Young Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. A midfielder with exceptional football intelligence, technique, and game control, Camara contributes both defensively and offensively.
His standout performances at CHAN 2022 and the U20 AFCON in 2023 highlight his growing influence. Calm and commanding far beyond his years, Camara is expected to be a key asset at AFCON 2025.
Previous AFCON performances
Senegal’s AFCON history has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. In 2002, they reached the final under the leadership of stars like El-Hadji Diouf, but lost to Cameroon on penalties. In 2019, they fell 1–0 in the final against Algeria.
Their breakthrough came in 2021, when Senegal defeated Egypt on penalties to claim their first title, with Sadio Mané playing a pivotal role. As defending champions, they were surprisingly eliminated by host nation Côte d’Ivoire in 2023. Yet in the 2025 qualifiers, they once again demonstrated their strength.
Did you know?
If Pape Thiaw manages to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, he will become the first coach ever to win both the CHAN and AFCON titles.