The 2021 champions Senegal will kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign when they take on Botswana at Tangier’s Ibn-Batouta Stadium on Tuesday, 23 December 2025.
View our free Senegal vs Botswana predictions below.
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Senegal vs Botswana predictions: Goals expected
Key stats
- At least three goals were scored in four of Senegal’s last five matches.
- Botswana are currently on a seven-match winless streak.
- Senegal have two wins in as many encounters with Botswana.
Correct score prediction: Senegal 2-0 Botswana
Senegal have won two of two previous clashes with Botswana, scoring five goals without conceding. The Lions of Teranga have appeared at every AFCON since 2015, winning their opening matches in all five editions of this competition since then.
In contrast, this will be Botswana's second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, and they lost all their group games last time out.
Keeping in mind that Senegal have kept more clean sheets than any other team in this competition since 2017, we believe that they will win this match without conceding.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Senegal clearly favoured
- HOME: 1/5 (1.20) – 83.3%
- DRAW: 11/2 (6.25) – 15.4%
- AWAY: 14/1 (15.00) – 6.7%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
This will be Senegal's 18th consecutive appearance at the AFCON, and their sixth in a row. The 2021 champions had a near-perfect qualifying campaign, earning 16 points from a possible 18, while conceding only once.
On the other hand, Botswana barely managed to qualify for this competition, scoring just four goals in six group games. They will set their sights on earning their first point in Africa's biggest national football competition after losing all three group games in their only other appearance in 2012.
Ahead of this skirmish, it is unsurprising that Senegal are the expected winners at 1/5 (1.20). Teams with these odds generally have an 83.3% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Senegal vs Botswana predictions.
Also, keeping in mind that three or more goals were scored in four of Senegal's last five games across all competitions, over 2.5 total goals has an appealing look at 3/4 (1.75). That one has a 57.1% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Business as usual for Senegal?
Senegal and Botswana have met twice, with both encounters taking place during the AFCON 2015 qualifiers. The Lions of Teranga won both clashes without conceding.
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 19/11/14
Senegal
Botswana
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 10/09/14
Botswana
Senegal
Senegal preview: Second continental title on the cards?
Seen as huge favourites to win AFCON 2025, Senegal boast one of the best squads in the tournament with the likes of the most-capped player Idrissa Gueye (122 caps), captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Mamadou Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, and Sadio Mane, among many others.
Mane is the top scorer of the Teranga Lions with 51 goals to his name, and the Al-Nassr star is making his sixth appearance on the grandest stage of African Football for his country. Having led Senegal to AFCON triumph in 2021, the former Liverpool man will be eager to inspire the team to glory in the Morocco showpiece.
Head coach Pape Thiaw is expected to field a very strong side for this game, comprising four defenders, a double pivot, and four attack-minded players further up the field, with Bayern Munich star Jackson leading the line.
Predicted lineup: Diaw (GK), Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf, I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Ndiaye, Sarr, Mane & Jackson.
Last five matches
- Kenya 0-8 Senegal
- Brazil 2-0 Senegal
- Senegal 4-0 Mauritania
- South Sudan 0-5 Senegal
- DR Congo 2-3 Senegal
Botswana preview: Eyeing their first-ever win
Making only their second AFCON appearance in history, Botswana are looking to get past the group phase for the first time ever.
Although the Zebras are overwhelming underdogs in this game, the desire to banish old ghosts in the group stage after they lost all three matches during the 2012 edition and a 13-year absence from the apex of continental football should be enough motivation to get things right this time.
Botswana parade a squad entirely made up of players who ply their trade in Africa. Top of the bill is Jwaneng Galaxy FC forward Thabang Sesinyi, who will likely be the difference-maker for them up front in this competition.
Predicted lineup: Kgosipula (GK), Johnson, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Velaphi, Seakanyeng, Mohutsiwa, Ditsele, Orebonye, Sesinyi & Boy.
Last five matches
- Tunisia 2-1 Botswana
- Guinea 2-2 Botswana
- Botswana 0-1 Uganda
- Mozambique 2-0 Botswana
- Algeria 3-1 Botswana
Player to watch: Sadio Mane
This will be Sadio Mane’s sixth AFCON berth. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star has 15 goal contributions in his 22 appearances in this competition. He is Senegal's all-time top scorer and will fancy his chances against Botswana.