DR Congo v Benin: Confirmed team news as Sadiki starts for tournament dark horses

Africa Cup of Nations dark horses DR Congo open their campaign this afternoon against Benin in Rabat.

DRC finished fourth in 2023 and are expected to challenge once again, although their immediate task is to emerge from Group D that also contains Botswana and tournament heavyweights Senegal.

The Leopards have a nice blend of youth and experience with Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki tipped to be one of the standout players in Morocco.

He told the Premier League club’s website: “I am really excited. I can’t wait to start.

“I’ve looked forward to it for a really long time and to be part of it, will be something big. My responsibility is going to be a little bit higher than when I first arrived, especially now that I play in the Premier League.

“I know what I can expect from the people of Congo. I can’t disappoint them. I’m going to give my everything.

“If we all give our everything, it’s going to be good for the team and the country.”

Benin have not qualified for an AFCON since 2019 when they reached the quarter-finals.

Recommended offer

Review

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

Get Offer

#AD 18+ Registration Required. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. GambleAware.org Time limits and T&Cs apply. T&Cs apply.

DR CONGO TEAM NEWS

DR Congo don’t have striker Yoane Wissa available after he was allowed to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury at club side Newcastle.

DR Congo: M’Pasi N’Zau; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Bongonda, Sadiki, Kayembe; Bakumbu

BENIN TEAM NEWS

Benin have four players serving a suspension, ruling out Andreas Hountondji, Junior Olaitan, Mohamed Tijani and Marcel Dandjinou. Steve Mounie is injured.

Benin: Allagbe; Ouorou, Roche, Verdon, Moumini; Imourane, Tosin, D’Almeida, Dodo, Dossou; Aloko

How to watch DR Congo v Benin: TV and online streams

DR Congo versus Benin kicks off at 1230 UK time this afternoon. 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 DR Congo v Benin

• Benin have not won any of their last 14 AFCON games in normal time
• DR Congo won their most recent meeting, a 2022 World Cup qualifier, 2-0