Congo DR is set to face Botswana in their final group match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at Al Barid Stadium on December 23, 2024. While Congo DR has already secured their place in the knockout stage with four points from two matches, Botswana finds themselves eliminated after two consecutive defeats. This matchup presents contrasting motivations, with Congo DR seeking to maintain momentum and Botswana looking to salvage pride.
Congo DR entered the tournament as a team to watch, and they have lived up to expectations with a win and a draw thus far. They began their campaign on December 23 with a 2-1 victory against Benin, propelled by a goal from Theo Bongonda in the 16th minute. Their second match against the 2021 champions, Senegal, ended in a 1-1 draw, where Cedric Bakambu scored in the 61st minute but was matched by a goal from Sadio Mane shortly after. This draw halted their impressive winning streak at six games, yet it was sufficient to secure a spot in the knockout rounds for the fifth time in six tournaments.
The Central African side is determined to top their group for the first time since 2017, aiming to conclude the group stage on a high note against Botswana, who have the least experience and lowest ranking among the 24 teams competing in Morocco.
Botswana’s journey has been challenging, marked by a 3-0 loss to Senegal and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin. Consequently, they became the first team mathematically eliminated from the tournament, leaving them with only the desire for a victory against Congo DR. The Zebras have not won any of their last nine matches, with their last triumph coming against Somalia in a World Cup qualifier in March.
To make matters more challenging, Botswana has often struggled to take the lead, having conceded first in five of their last seven games. A strong start will be essential if they hope to achieve an upset against a Congo DR side that has shown consistent scoring ability, netting goals in eight of their last nine outings.
As for team news, Cedric Bakambu is now just one goal shy of matching Dieumerci Mbokani’s record of 22 goals for his nation, and he will be eager to contribute further. Arthur Masuaku faced an injury concern in the previous match and may be rested given the upcoming knockout stage. If Masuaku is sidelined, Joris Kayembe could step in for his first start of the tournament, joining a solid defensive lineup that includes Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
For Botswana, veteran defender Mosha Gaolaolwe approaches his 100th cap, expected to partner with Thatayaone Ditlhokwe in defense. Coach Morena Ramoreboli might consider rotating his squad to inject fresh energy despite having maintained a consistent starting XI throughout the group stage.
The anticipated starting lineups are as follows:
Botswana’s likely lineup: Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa; Ratshukudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho
Congo DR’s likely lineup: M’Pasi; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bongonda, Bakambu
Given Botswana’s struggles and Congo DR’s strong form, a comprehensive victory for the Central Africans seems likely. Predictions suggest a final score of 3-0 in favor of Congo DR, allowing them to conclude the group stage positively and reinforce their status as formidable contenders heading into the knockout rounds.
