Benin face familiar frustrations and new uncertainties in demanding AFCON group

Benin’s route through the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be one of the most testing in the tournament, with the Cheetahs drawn against opponents who have historically caused them problems and one side they have never faced before.

Set to compete in Morocco, Benin will come up against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Botswana, a trio that combines painful memories, established continental power and genuine uncertainty.

For a team seeking progress on the African stage, the margins for error appear slim.

Among the most difficult challenges is the Democratic Republic of Congo, a side Benin have never defeated.

Their most recent meetings came during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, a campaign that still leaves scars.

A 1-1 draw at home offered brief encouragement, but it was followed by a 2-0 defeat in Kinshasa that ended Benin’s hopes of advancing further.

That result denied the Cheetahs a decisive final match against Morocco and marked the last encounter between the two nations.

The memory remains a bitter one, underscoring the scale of the task that lies ahead.

Senegal present an even more daunting historical record.

Across eight meetings, Benin have managed only two draws, with the Lions of Teranga emerging victorious on six occasions.

The imbalance reflects Senegal’s long-standing status as one of Africa’s elite sides, boasting consistency and experience at major tournaments.

Yet there is a measure of resilience in Benin’s past performances.

Those two draws demonstrate an ability to compete and resist, even against superior opposition.

However, history offers little comfort when recalling the only Africa Cup of Nations meeting between the two teams.

On that occasion, Senegal claimed a narrow 1-0 victory, eliminating Benin after the Cheetahs had already produced a memorable upset by knocking Morocco out of the competition.

That defeat remains a reminder of how close Benin have come — and how difficult the final step can be.

Against Senegal, Benin will be required to show tactical discipline, defensive cohesion and mental strength.

The Lions’ technical quality and tournament experience make them a formidable obstacle, one that punishes even the smallest lapses in concentration.

Botswana, meanwhile, adds an entirely different dimension to the group.

Unlike their other opponents, the Zebras are an unknown quantity for Benin.

The two nations have never met, leaving little historical data to draw upon.

This unfamiliarity could work either way, but it places added importance on preparation and adaptability.

That fixture may prove decisive. While DR Congo and Senegal carry the weight of past encounters, the clash with Botswana represents an opportunity for Benin to impose themselves against unfamiliar opposition and potentially shift the balance of the group.

For the Cheetahs, this Africa Cup of Nations is not merely about navigating statistics or confronting history.

It is a chance to challenge established narratives and demonstrate growth on the continental stage.

The group is undeniably demanding, but each match offers the possibility of surprise, resilience and renewal.

As Morocco awaits, Benin know the odds are steep.

Yet the Africa Cup of Nations has long been defined by moments that defy expectation — and the Cheetahs will hope that, this time, history can be rewritten.