Matchday 3 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in grand style as two West African nations go head-to-head. Both nations are battling for the first three points in Group D, which includes the DR Congo, Botswana, and heavyweight contenders Senegal.
MATCH PREVIEW
DR Congo, the Leopards, led by French coach Sébastien Desabre, come into this tournament riding a wave of confidence.
As recently as November, they stunned two heavyweights Nigeria and Cameroon on their way to securing qualification for the 2026 Intercontinental Playoff. This underlines just how dangerous this side can be.
At the last AFCON in 2024, DR Congo enjoyed an impressive run to the semi-finals. They fell to eventual champions, Ivory Coast.
Defensively, they have been rock solid coming into this tournament. They conceded just once in their last five fixtures, including AFCON qualifiers.
Benin, on the other hand, are led by the experienced Gernot Rohr. The Squirrels have featured at the AFCON just five times. Their best finish came in 2019 when they reached the quarter-finals.
However, Rohr’s presence could signal a shift in fortunes. The German coach knows this competition well, having guided Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a bronze medal six years ago.
Interestingly, DR Congo and Benin have met only twice in their history. DR Congo has one win and one draw.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN DR CONGO VS BENIN
DR Congo are known for their high-energy approach and quick transitions. They thrive on swift counter-attacks, especially when Yoane Wissa was part of the setup.
However, Wissa is away from the squad due to a lack of match fitness after a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. As a result, the attacking responsibility now shifts elsewhere.
In his absence, Cedric Bakambu will be eager to step up.
The striker is just two goals away from breaking Dieumerci Mbokani’s long-standing national record of 22 goals.
Meanwhile, for Benin, all eyes will be on Steve Mounié, who is also chasing history. He sits just two goals shy of Stéphane Sessègnon’s national record of 24 goals. This adds extra motivation to an already intense encounter.
With record chasers on both sides, this promises to be a high-intensity contest.
LAST FIVE MATCHES
Benin: W W W L L
DR Congo: W W W W W
PLAYERS TO WATCH
For DR Congo, Chancel Mbemba stands out as the key figure. At 31, the captain has been central to the Leopards’ recent success. Notably, he scored the decisive penalty against Nigeria and followed that up with the winning goal against Cameroon in World Cup qualifying. As a result, he remains a true leader at the heart of the defence.
Meanwhile, for Benin, Tosin Aiyegun is one to keep a close eye on. The versatile attacker, who can operate on either flank, adds pace, creativity, and unpredictability to the Squirrels’ attack, thereby posing a constant threat.
Overall, DR Congo, AFCON champions in 1968 and 1974, will view this fixture as an opportunity to make a strong statement in Group D. However, Benin, under Rohr, will be determined to make life difficult from the very first whistle, ensuring a competitive and hard-fought encounter.
