Senegal – Botswana: Lions under pressure to hit the ground running in AFCON 
Senegal start their Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday at the Grand Stade de Tanger against Botswana. Two teams. Two paths. Two very different expectations. The Teranga Lions arrive labelled favourites. The Zebras just want to be seen in a tournament where they still lack reference points.
Senegal: carrying the favourite tag and the pressure 
Senegal come into the 2025 edition with rare experience on the continent. This is their 18th finals appearance and a sixth straight campaign. Winning the title in 2021 changed their scale.
Qualifying underlined that solidity. Unbeaten across the campaign, they conceded just one goal and relied on an almost watertight defence. Up front, they had options, goals shared around their key men.
Preparation sent clear signals too. That eye-catching win over England, followed by comfortable wins and controlled games against solid opposition, has beefed up the group’s confidence. In their last six competitive outings the Lions have scored regularly while remaining generally solid at the back.
Historically, Senegal start AFCONs well. They’re rarely beaten in opening matches and they know these games often set the tone. Around leaders like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Sarr, Pape Thiaw is in his first AFCON as coach with a squad he knows inside out.
The absence of Assane Diao is notable, but it doesn’t upset the team’s balance, especially since several players originally listed as doubtful are finally available.
Botswana: learn, stand firm and try to nick something 
Botswana return to the Africa Cup of Nations for only the second time in their history, more than a decade after their first appearance. In 2012 they crashed out at the group stage without a win.
Getting to this edition was still an achievement. The Zebras hung in there, notably with a draw snatched against Egypt that sealed their ticket to Morocco. That result was foundational for a group still being built.
Recent months have been patchy. A few encouraging wins, several defeats to stronger teams. Botswana struggle to find real continuity. Morena Ramoreboli, the first South African to coach another nation at AFCON, is trying to mould a disciplined unit able to resist first and foremost.
The squad arrive complete, with no major injuries. Few players ply their trade abroad, and the aim is clear: hold firm, defend, and take advantage of whatever chance appears. Getting a first AFCON win is going to be extremely tough.
Likely line-ups
Senegal : Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf, Gueye, Camara, P. Sarr, Ndiaye, Mané, I. Sarr
Botswana : Kaosipula, Velaphi, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Johnson, Seakanyeng, Mohutiswa, Ditsele, Boy, Sesinyi, Orebonye
Key takeaways
- Senegal are among the tournament favourites.
- The Lions have shown impressive consistency for months.
- Botswana are still getting used to top-level continental football.
- The experience gap is significant.
Football Prediction Senegal vs Botswana
Senegal win by at least two goals
Botswana should be organised and disciplined, but against Senegal’s depth and control the gap looks too big. If the Lions turn up and do their job, they can make a clear difference right from day one.
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