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Senegal v Botswana: Line-ups, stats and preview

Senegal meet Botswana tomorrow. Read our in-depth preview here...

Written by Jon Fisher
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Senegal v Botswana: Line-ups, stats and preview

Preview for Senegal v Botswana

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is happy for his side to be named one of the favourites to win AFCON 2025.

The Lions of Teranga open their campaign tomorrow against Botswana and are expected to reach the latter stages alongside the likes of hosts Morocco, Egypt and Algeria.

“We are not hiding. Senegal assumes its status as a favourite,” Thiaw said at today’s pre-match press conference, not that he is expecting an easy game in trying to break down what he expects will be a packed Botswanan defence.

“I studied the game of Botswana well. I expect a low block,” he said.

Botswana emerged from a qualifying pool that also contained Cape Verde, a team that then went on to claim a place at the World Cup.

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly said: “We take Botswana very seriously. They eliminated Cape Verde. “There is caution but the general mood remains one of clarity and controlled confidence.”

Koulibaly is one of five Senegal players appearing at their fifth Africa Cup of Nations – Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Édouard Mendy and Ismaïla Sarr being the others – and they have a squad packed with talented players.

Habib Diarra came off the bench for Sunderland at Brighton on Saturday, proving his fitness after a lengthy injury lay-off and he has now joined up with the squad.

Sunderland and Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra

Team News for Senegal v Botswana

Diarra is unlikely to start and will instead build his fitness for the latter stages.

Botswana are at full strength.

Predicted line-ups for Senegal v Botswana

Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Gueye, Camara, P. Sarr; Ndiaye, Mane, I. Sarr

Botswana: Kaosipula; Velaphi, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Johnson; Seakanyeng, Mohutiswa, Ditsele; Boy, Sesinyi, Orebonye

How to watch Senegal v Botswana

Senegal versus Botswana kicks off tomorrow at 3pm UK time. In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.

Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.

Stats for Senegal v Botswana

  • Senegal have won their last five opening games at the AFCON
  • The two teams have never met at an AFCON before

Prediction for Senegal v Botswana

Senegal

3 – 0

Botswana

Senegal have the chance to make a statement early on at AFCON 2025 and Botswana may be the victims of that.

The West African nation have quality all over the field and they could make it a very uncomfortable opening outing for Botswana.

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