Group D brings together four nations with contrasting histories and ambitions. Senegal, recent champions, headline the group. DR Congo arrive with pedigree and hunger, Benin seek another breakthrough, while Botswana return to the finals with dreams of upsetting the odds.
This group promises tactical battles, emotional narratives and the kind of unpredictability that defines AFCON.
SENEGAL – Lions of Teranga Roaring Again
- AFCON Pedigree: Winners in 2021
- Finals Appearances: 18th
Senegal enter as one of Africa’s most consistent forces. With world-class talent across Europe’s top leagues, they combine flair with discipline. Their mission is clear: reclaim continental dominance and prove their golden generation still has bite.
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Botswana, Tangier (1500), 27 v Democratic Republic of Congo, Tangier (1500), 30 v Benin, Tangier (1900)
Qualifying: Group L winners
Results: Burkina Faso 1-1 home 1-0 away, Burundi 2-0 1-0, Malawi 4-0 1-0
Leading scorer: 3 - Habib Diarra, Sadio Mane
Captain: Kalidou Koulibaly, defender
Coach: Pape Thiaw (SEN)
Rankings: 2 Africa, 19 world
Previous appearances: 17
Best placing: Champions 2022
Most goals scored: Ethiopia 5-1 (1965)
Most goals conceded: Angola 1-3 (2008)
Popular name: Teranga Lions
DR CONGO – The Leopards’ Legacy
- AFCON Pedigree: Winners in 1968 and 1974
- Finals Appearances: 21st
DR Congo carry a proud history and a passionate fan base. Their physicality and attacking intent make them dangerous opponents. Hungry to return to glory, the Leopards see Group D as the perfect stage to roar once more.
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Benin, Rabat (1230), 27 v Senegal, Tangier (1500), 30 v Botswana, Rabat (1900)
Qualifying: Group H winners
Results: Tanzania 1-0 home 2-0 away, Guinea 1-0 0-1, Ethiopia 1-2 2-0
Leading scorer: 2 - Meschak Elia
Captain: Chancel Mbemba, defender
Coach: Sebastien Desabre (FRA)
Rankings: 9 Africa, 56 world
Previous appearances: 20
Best placing: Champions 1968, 1974
Most goals scored: Mauritius 4-1 (1974), Burkina Faso 4-4 (1998), Congo Brazzaville 4-2 (2015), Zimbabwe 4-0 (2019)
Most goals conceded: Ghana 2-5 (1965), Cameroon 2-5 (1972)
Popular name: Leopards
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BENIN – The Stallions of Surprise
- AFCON Pedigree: Quarterfinalists in 2019
- Finals Appearances: 5th
Benin are no strangers to upsetting giants. Their spirited run in 2019 proved their potential, and they arrive in Morocco determined to replicate that magic. Compact defensively and opportunistic in attack, they are the group’s unpredictable element.
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Democratic Republic of Congo, Rabat (1230), 27 v Botswana, Rabat (1230), 30 v Senegal, Tangier (1900)
Qualifying: Group D runners-up
Results: Nigeria 1-1 home 0-3 away, Rwanda 3-0 1-2, Libya 2-1 0-0
Leading scorers: 2 - Andreas Hountondji, Steve Mounie
Captain: Mounie, forward
Coach: Gernot Rohr (GER)
Rankings: 20 Africa, 92 world
Previous appearances: 4
Best placing: Quarterfinals 2019
Most goals scored: Mozambique 2-2 (2010), Ghana 2-2 (2019)
Most goals conceded: Morocco 0-4 (2004), Ivory Coast 1-4 (2008)
Popular name: Cheetahs
BOTSWANA – The Zebras’ Return
- AFCON Pedigree: Group stage in 2012
- Finals Appearances: 2nd
Botswana return to AFCON after more than a decade. As underdogs, they carry little pressure but immense pride. Their goal is simple: compete fiercely, earn respect and perhaps deliver a shock result that will echo across Africa.
Fixtures: Dec 23 v Senegal, Tangier (1500), 27 v Benin, Rabat (1230), 30 v Democratic Republic of Congo, Rabat (1900)
Qualifying: Group C runners-up
Results: Egypt 0-4 home 1-1 away, Mauritania 1-1 0-1, Cape Verde 1-0 1-0
Leading scorer: None
Captain: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, defender
Coach: Morena Ramoreboli (RSA)
Rankings: 40 Africa, 138 world
Previous appearance: 1
Best placing: First round
Most goals scored: Guinea 1-6, Mali 1-2 (both 2012)
Most goals conceded: Guinea 1-6 (2012)
Popular name: Zebras
GROUP DYNAMICS
Favourites: Senegal, with their star-studded squad and recent title.
Challenger: DR Congo, with pedigree and ambition.
Wild Card: Benin, capable of upsetting giants.
Underdog: Botswana, driven by pride and hunger.
Group D is a clash of champions and dreamers. Senegal’s dominance, DR Congo’s legacy, Benin’s unpredictability and Botswana’s hunger combine to create one of the most compelling pools of AFCON 2025.
Group D embodies AFCON’s magic: giants chasing glory, challengers seeking respect and underdogs dreaming of miracles.
Every fixture is layered with history and possibility, ensuring fans will witness drama, passion and unforgettable football.