Senegal and Benin square off in their final Group D fixture at the AFCON, with both teams in contention for a place in the knockout phase.
The Teranga Lions remain one of the most in-form sides in the competition, while the Squirrels only recently ended a poor run.
Benin got their first win at the 2025 AFCON after claiming a 1-0 victory over Botswana in their previous fixture. Yohan Roche struck the only goal midway through the first half and they were able to hold on for the win.
That was a vital result for Benin, who had lost their previous three matches in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat to DR Congo in their opening fixture. Gernot Rohr’s team are in the mix to qualify and need a win on Tuesday to be guaranteed a place in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, Senegal dropped points last time out after battling to a 1-1 draw with DR Congo thanks to Sadio Mane’s equaliser midway through the second half. However, Pape Bouna Thiaw’s team remain top of the table, and a win on Tuesday will secure a place in the knockout phase.
Senegal's overall form has been solid lately, and they are unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions. The Teranga Lions picked up six wins on this run, including a 3-0 victory over Botswana in their opening fixture.
How the bookies view it: Senegal overwhelming favourites
Senegal have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/10 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Benin is valued at 10/1 by Paddy Power, while bet365 are also offering odds of 9/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Superior Senegal
Senegal are unbeaten in this fixture, with seven wins and two draws from nine previous matches against Benin. The most recent meeting was a friendly in 2024, with the Teranga Lions earning a 1-0 victory.
Players to watch: Rock-solid Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly is often solid at the back for Senegal and has helped the former champions to clean sheets in five of their last eight matches in all competitions. With Edouard Mendy also impressive in goal, the Teranga Lions will be targeting another clean sheet (Senegal clean sheet – available at 8/13 on bet365).
At the other end of the pitch, Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane have caught the eye and will be keen to continue their good form. Senegal have scored over 1.5 goals in five of their last eight matches (Senegal over 1.5 goals – set at odds of 4/9 on Paddy Power).
Probable line-ups:
Senegal are likely to stick with the team that started against DR Congo, with Jackson leading the line and Mane providing support. Koulibaly is expected to retain his place in defence.
Benin are also unlikely to ring in the changes and should retain the team that beat Botswana. Steve Mounie should lead the line once again, while Olivier Verdon is set to start at the back.
Senegal: Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs, Gueye, Gueye, Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane, Jackson.
Benin: Dandjinou, Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche, Dodo, D’Almeida, Imourane, Olaitan, Mounie, Tosin.
Anything else catch the eye?
Senegal have won to nil in five of their last eight matches (Senegal win to nil – priced at 5/6 with bet365). Their last three matches have also produced over 1.5 second-half goals (Second half over 1.5 goals – offers at 6/5 with William Hill).
All the goals in Benin’s matches at this tournament have come after the break (Second half highest scoring half – valued at 23/20 by William Hill).
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