All eyes will be on the Grand Stade de Tanger on Tuesday evening as Senegal and Benin face off in their final Group D match of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, with progression to the Round of 16 firmly at stake.

Senegal come into the decisive fixture with four points from two outings, having started their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 3–0 demolition of Botswana before settling for a draw against DR Congo.

A point will be enough for the Lions of Teranga to advance, while victory would guarantee top spot in the group.

Benin, meanwhile, have everything to play for. After opening their tournament with a defeat to DR Congo, the Squirrels bounced back in style by recording their first-ever AFCON win in open play, overcoming Botswana to revive their qualification hopes.

A win against Senegal would send them through automatically, while even a draw could be sufficient depending on other results.

Despite Senegal’s tag as tournament favourites, head coach Pape Thiaw has urged caution, insisting reputation alone will not secure progress.

He has emphasised discipline, humility and execution as his side looks to finish the group stage strongly. Defender Moussa Niakhaté echoed those sentiments, noting that Benin’s recent performances underline their threat and organisation.

Statistically, Senegal remain one of the competition’s most consistent sides. They are unbeaten in their last nine AFCON group matches and have conceded just seven goals in their previous 21 matches at the tournament.

Sadio Mané continues to be their attacking reference point, with his goal against DR Congo taking his AFCON tally to 10 across five editions.

Benin, however, arrive with belief rather than fear. Captain Steve Mounié has made it clear that his side are not content with merely competing, insisting they are targeting victory.

His influence has grown steadily, and his assist against Botswana highlighted his importance in key moments.

Head coach Gernot Rohr has stressed the need for defensive discipline while remaining dangerous on the counter and from set pieces.

Historically, Senegal hold the upper hand, unbeaten in eight previous meetings against Benin.

But with qualification on the line and momentum building on both sides, Tuesday’s encounter promises a tense and compelling battle as Group D reaches its dramatic conclusion.

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