Benin secure first AFCON 2025 points with 1-0 victory over Botswana in Group D | OneFootball

Yohan Roche strike reopens wide-open Group D race

Benin secure first AFCON 2025 points with 1-0 victory over Botswana in Group D

Benin breathed new life into their AFCON 2025 campaign after edging Botswana 1-0 in a tightly contested Group D encounter at the Stade Olympique de Rabat on Saturday.

The victory delivers Benin’s first points of tournament and reopens the qualification battle in group that remains finely balanced.

Disallowed Early Goal, then Roche delivers

Benin appeared to strike gold almost immediately when Aiyegun Tosin found the net inside the opening minutes but celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside in the buildup.

Undeterred the Cheetahs maintained their intensity and were rewarded around the half hour mark.

Defender Yohan Roche broke the deadlock in the 28 minute finishing from close range after captain Steve Mounié created space with intelligent movement inside the box.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Benin’s favour.

Botswana’s Missed Chance before break

Botswana responded with purpose and nearly found an equaliser late in first half. Midfielder Mothusi Johnson struck fierce free-kick that rattled the crossbar coming within inches of changing the complexion of match.

It proved to be Botswana’s clearest opportunity.

Second half Control

After the interval Benin took greater control of proceedings and pushed to double their advantage. Tamimou Ouorou went close twice around the hour mark but Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko produced pair of crucial saves to keep his side in contention.

Despite late pressure, Benin remained organised and composed closing out the match with disciplined defending and intelligent game management.

Match Statistics

Benin’s control was reflected on the stat sheet:

Discipline & Defensive Steel

Botswana saw Kabelo Seakanyeng and Lebogang Ditsele enter the referee’s book while Benin’s defensive spine ,, Roche, Olivier Verdon, Sessi D’Almeida and Mounié stood firm during the closing stages.

Group D implications

The result lifts Benin to three point, level with Senegal and DR Congo while Botswana remain rooted at the bottom without point.

All eyes now turn to 30 December, when:

Both fixtures are set to play decisive role in shaping Group D’s final standings.