Benin and Botswana are eager to bounce back in their crucial second Group D Africa Cup of Nations match at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Both teams are under pressure as they clash in Rabat—neither can afford to slip, with an early tournament exit on the line.
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Benin vs Botswana prediction: Les Guepards to secure crucial victory
Key stats
- Benin have lost three consecutive matches and failed to score in each.
- Botswana have struggled too, going winless in eight matches and conceding in seven straight.
- All of Benin's last five encounters have yielded fewer than 11 corners.
Correct score prediction: Benin 1-0 Botswana
Benin have not lost four matches in a row since 2022. Saturday's match against Botswana gives them a huge opportunity to return to winning ways.
Given what is at stake, we expect both teams to come out strong, but we favour a Benin victory after 90 minutes.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Benin in pole position to come out on top
- HOME: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
On Saturday, Benin play their 10th Nations Cup match since 2010. They have won only one of their previous nine, beating Morocco on penalties in the 2019 round of 16.
However, Gernot Rohr's men have been given the vote of confidence by the oddsmakers to emerge triumphant, with a Benin win currently priced at 7/10 (1.70).
For Botswana, Tuesday's 3-0 loss to Senegal continued their AFCON losing streak, which seems unlikely to end anytime soon.
Morena Ramoreboli's men will need to defy expectations to topple Benin in this weekend's encounter, where their win probability stands at 22.2%.
For more from the upcoming matches, today’s free football betting tips look at some of the best picks.
Most recent H2Hs: Rabat to host maiden edition of this fixture
Benin and Botswana meet for their first-ever clash on Saturday, each facing a must-win to avoid falling out of AFCON contention.
Benin preview: Active all-time top scorer back available
Steve Mounie returns from suspension, aiming to close in on Sessegnon's 24-goal mark. His availability is expected to add attacking options for Benin in this key fixture.
In addition to Mounie, the return of Junior Olaitan and Marcel Dandjinou further strengthens Benin’s squad.
Predicted lineup: Allagbe (GK), Moumini, Verdon, Roche, Ouorou, Imourane, D'Almeida, Aloko, Olaitan, Dossou & Mounie
Benin's last five matches:
- DR Congo 1-0 Benin (Africa Cup of Nations)
- Burkina Faso 3-0 Benin (International Friendly)
- Nigeria 4-0 Benin (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Rwanda 0-1 Benin (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Benin 4-0 Lesotho (World Cup Qualifiers)
Botswana preview: Omaatla Kebatho to be dropped?
After months without club action, Omaatla Kebatho started against Senegal but was substituted just past the hour mark. He now faces competition for his place in the XI.
With Thabang Sesinyi waiting in the wings, Botswana may shake things up in attack to ignite their campaign against Benin.
Predicted lineup: Phoko (GK), Johnson, Ditlhokwee, Gaolaolwe, Veelaphi, Ditsele, Seakenyeng, Mohutsiwa, Cooper, Orebonye & Sesinyi
Botswana's last five matches:
- Senegal 3-0 Botswana (Africa Cup of Nations)
- Tunisia 2-1 Botswana (International Friendly)
- Guinea 2-2 Botswana (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Botswana 0-1 Uganda (World Cup Qualifiers)
- Mozambique 2-0 Botswana (World Cup Qualifiers)
Player to watch – Rodolfo Aloko
Since joining the first team, Rodolfo Aloko has yet to score for his national team but has demonstrated consistency at club level.
The 19-year-old has scored six goals in his last eight games for NK Kustosija in Croatia's lower leagues.
Given these performances, it is no surprise that Rohr has been patient with his up-and-coming teenager, and we expect that patience to be rewarded with a bright display here.