Yohan Roche’s first-half strike earned Benin their first victory of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, as they edged Botswana 1-0 in Rabat, while Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Tangier.
The win reignited Benin’s hopes of reaching the Round of 16 after their opening defeat to DR Congo and left Botswana facing elimination following a second successive loss in Group D.
Benin started on the front foot and briefly thought they had taken an early lead when Aiyegun Tosin found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. Their persistence paid off in the 28th minute when Roche broke the deadlock.
The left-back finished from close range after combining with captain Steve Mounié, his effort taking a deflection off a defender before beating goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
Botswana came close to equalising seven minutes before the break, but Mothusi Johnson’s curling free kick struck the crossbar. Benin continued to press after the interval, with Tamimou Ouorou forcing Phoko into a full-stretch save before seeing another effort comfortably gathered.
Botswana pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Benin’s defence remained organised to secure a crucial three points.
Earlier in Tangier, Senegal came from behind to draw 1-1 with DR Congo in an entertaining contest.
Cedric Bakambu gave DR Congo the lead on the hour mark, reacting quickest to tap in after Edouard Mendy had saved Theo Bongonda’s initial effort. Senegal responded eight minutes later through Sadio Mane, who calmly converted the rebound after substitute Ibrahim Mbaye’s effort was parried.
Senegal had dominated much of the first half and created several clear chances, with Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr both going close, but were unable to capitalise before the interval.
Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but neither could find a decisive second goal.
The draw leaves Senegal top of the group on four points, level with DR Congo but ahead on goal difference. The final group matches on Tuesday, with Senegal facing Benin and DR Congo taking on Botswana, will decide the qualification places.
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