AFCON 2025: Botswana vs DR Congo preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

​Having lost their two previous AFCON matches, Botswana will play for pride and the honour of their country against DR Congo, who already have one foot in the knockout phase of the competition.

Botswana most recently lost 1-0 to Benin, after falling short against Senegal in their first match of the tournament. This means that the Zebras have no chance of progressing to the next phase.

In a group with Senegal, Dr Congo, and the Benin Republic, it comes as little surprise that Botswana are the first team to be eliminated from the group. However, Morena Ramoreboli will task his boys to play for pride in this fixture.

Meanwhile, DR Congo were held to a 1-1 draw in their last match against Senegal. The Leopards took the lead in the 61st minute before it was cancelled out by Sadio Mane in the 69th minute.

However, the 1-0 victory against Benin in their first match means Sebastien Desabre's men are on 4 points and have one foot in the next round. A draw in this match is enough to solidify their qualification to the round of 16.

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This fixture makes it the third time DR Congo will be facing Botswana, and the Central African country has emerged victorious on both occasions. Botswana did not just lose on both occasions but also failed to score a single goal.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Ramoreboli to worry about, as the South African manager will likely stick to the same squad he used in the defeat against the Benin Republic.

For DR Congo, there is little concern over the fitness of Arthur Masuaku, who was substituted early in the last match. The Sunderland star will be monitored closely to determine how severe his discomfort is.

On the bright side, Cedric Bakambu will be available to feature in this match. He scored the opening goal against Senegal and will once more be needed for his creativity and goal scoring ability.

Botswana (4-5-1): Phoko; Johnson, Ditlhokwe, Kopelang, Mangolo; Orebonye, Gaolaolwe, Mohutsiwa, Seakanyeng, Ngele; Sesiny

DR Congo (4-3-3): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kayembe; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Bongonda, Mbuku, Bakambu

DR Congo have a more solid and stable team than Botswana, which will be a major factor that will determine the outcome of this match. Consider betting at Livescorebet that the Leopards win or at least draw this match.

Prediction: Botswana 0-2 DR Congo

• Bet on DR Congo to win

• Under 2.5 goals

• DR Congo to win or draw (double chance).