Group D
Results
*Senegal 3-0 Benin
*Botswana 0-3 DR Congo
Table
- Senegal – 7
- DR Congo – 7
- Benin – 3
- Botswana – 0
Senegal stormed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout as Group D leaders after beating Benin 3-0 in their final group match played in Tangiers on Tuesday.
The Lions of Teranga who finished the game with ten men after Kalidou Koulibaly’s red card, got the opener in 38th minute when Abdoulaye Seck rose highest to head home a well-taken free kick from Krépin Diatta.
Benin came back with more energy in the second half and tested goalkeeper Édouard Mendy a few times, but Senegal stayed calm and organised.
In the 62nd minute, Sadio Mané showed his class by setting up Habib Diallo, who calmly finished with his left foot to make it 2-0.
After Koulibaly was sent off after a VAR review, leaving Senegal with ten men, Benin pushed forward and created chances, but they could not find a way past Mendy.
Deep into stoppage time, Senegal were awarded a penalty after Ibrahim Mbaye was fouled, and substitute Cherif Ndiaye sealed the win with a cool finish.
The victory sees Senegal finish top of Group D with seven points having beaten Botswana in the opener before a draw with DR Congo.
Despite the loss, Benin also move on to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. DR Congo finished second in the group after their win over Botswana who finished bottom without a point.