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Afolabi Ezekiel - December 7, 2025
Group D brings together a powerful favorite, a serious challenger, and two underdogs that can shape the story of the group. Senegal arrives with one of the strongest squads in African football. The Democratic Republic of the Congo come with renewed belief and dangerous attacking players. Benin and Botswana have the structure, discipline, and spirit needed to frustrate stronger opponents. This mix of strength and unpredictability makes Group D one of the most intriguing groups of the tournament.
Senegal enters the competition as the clear favorite. Their squad is full of experience, quality, and confidence. Sadio Mané remains the central figure, using his calm finishing and intelligent movement to create moments that change matches. Ismaila Sarr brings pace and direct running, constantly stretching defenses and opening space for others.
Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr has become a key organizer, linking defense and attack with composure. In defense, Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo provide strength and leadership, giving Senegal stability at the back.
With a mature squad, strong coaching, and players capable of producing magic at any moment, Senegal should finish first. They also appear strong enough to challenge for the trophy if they maintain focus.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo are the strongest challengers to Senegal in Group D. Their football is built on intensity, athleticism, and confident attacking play. Chancel Mbemba leads the defense with composure and strong decision making, helping the team stay organized.
In attack, Cédric Bakambu, Samuel Essende, and Meschak Elia offer speed, movement, and sharp finishing. Their ability to exploit space on the counterattack makes them dangerous against any opponent. When they play with rhythm, the team can overwhelm opponents through sheer energy and pace.
The main challenge for this side is consistency. If they maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary mistakes, they have a strong chance of securing second place and advancing comfortably to the knockout stage.
Benin enters the group as underdogs, but they are known for discipline, teamwork, and strong defensive organization. Players such as Steve Mounié and Jodel Dossou bring experience and determination, helping the team stay competitive in difficult moments.
Benin prefer a compact style of play, absorbing pressure before hitting back with quick counters. This approach has helped them upset larger nations in past tournaments. Their success will depend on efficiency, as they may create fewer chances than their opponents. If they remain organized and take their opportunities when they appear, Benin is capable of causing problems and influencing the group standings.
Botswana enters the group with the least experience, but their lack of pressure can sometimes work in their favor. They rely on teamwork, energy, and determination rather than individual star players. Striker Tumisang Orebonye and winger Kabelo Seakanyeng bring intensity and forward movement that can trouble opponents on the counterattack.
Botswana defend with discipline and fight for every ball. Although they may struggle against the technical ability of Senegal or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they have the spirit to remain competitive in certain moments. Their challenge will be maintaining concentration for the full match. If they stay compact and exploit lapses from stronger teams, Botswana could produce a surprise result.
Group D places Senegal as a clear favorite and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the most likely challenger. Benin and Botswana bring discipline, work rate, and resilience, making them capable of upsetting predictions. The group blends quality and unpredictability, creating the possibility of both expected outcomes and surprising twists.
