Match report

Benin Defeats Botswana 1-0 in Africa Cup of Nations

Benin
Benin
1–0
FT
Botswana
Botswana
Dec 27, 2025

In a closely contested match at the Africa Cup of Nations, Benin held off Botswana to secure a 1-0 victory. Y. Roche's early goal proved decisive, despite Botswana's numerous substitutions and yellow cards issued throughout the game.

Key Facts

  • • Y. Roche scored the only goal for Benin at 28 minutes, assisted by Steve Mounié.
  • • K. Seakanyeng of Botswana received a yellow card at 13 minutes.
  • • Lebogang Ditsele was substituted out for M. Cooper at 46 minutes.
  • • Tamimou Ouorou of Benin received a yellow card at 85 minutes.
  • • R. Aloko of Benin received a yellow card at 90+4 minutes.

Lineups

Benin

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 M. Dandjinou (G)
  • 3 T. Ouorou (D)
  • 6 O. Verdon (D)
  • 13 M. Tijani (D)
  • 5 Y. Roche (D)
  • 15 S. D'Almeida (M)
  • 8 H. Imourane (M)
  • 10 A. Tosin (M)
  • 19 D. Dodo (M)
  • 18 J. Olaitan (M)
  • 9 S. Mounie (F)

Substitutes

  • 16 S. Allagbe
  • 23 A. Obassa
  • 2 R. Fassinou
  • 11 A. Moumini
  • 12 D. Kiki
  • 26 C. Azongnitode
  • 4 A. Samadou
  • 7 M. Ahlinvi
  • 17 R. Aloko
  • 21 R. Kossi
  • 22 R. Amoussou
  • 27 G. Ahoudo
  • 20 J. Dossou
  • 25 O. Tessilimi
  • 28 A. Akimey

Botswana

Starting XI

  • 23 G. Phoko (G)
  • 5 A. Velaphi (D)
  • 4 M. Gaolaolwe (D)
  • 3 T. Ditlhokwe (D)
  • 12 M. Johnson (D)
  • 18 L. Ditsele (M)
  • 6 G. Mohutsiwa (M)
  • 24 L. Ratshukudu (M)
  • 11 T. Orebonye (M)
  • 7 K. Seakanyeng (M)
  • 9 O. Kebatho (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 K. Dambe
  • 16 K. Kgosipula
  • 8 O. Ramotse
  • 20 T. Kopelang
  • 13 S. Boy
  • 14 G. Modingwane
  • 17 T. Kgamanyane
  • 2 T. Leinanyane
  • 19 C. Molefe
  • 21 T. Maponda
  • 22 G. Baruti
  • 15 M. Cooper
  • 25 M. Enosa
  • 26 S. Nganda
  • 10 T. Sesinyi

Timeline

  1. Botswana
    13' Botswana Card · Yellow Card
    K. Seakanyeng

    Foul

  2. Benin
    28' Benin Goal · Normal Goal
    Y. Roche · Assist: Steve Mounié
  3. Botswana
    44' Botswana Card · Yellow Card
    Lebogang Ditsele

    Foul

  4. Botswana
    46' Botswana subst · Substitution 1
    Off: T. Orebonye · On: S. Boy
  5. Botswana
    46' Botswana subst · Substitution 2
    Off: L. Ratshukudu · On: G. Baruti
  6. Botswana
    46' Botswana subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Lebogang Ditsele · On: M. Cooper
  7. Benin
    54' Benin subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. D'Almeida · On: A. Samadou
  8. Botswana
    59' Botswana subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Omaatla Kebatho · On: T. Sesinyi
  9. Benin
    82' Benin subst · Substitution 2
    Off: A. Tosin · On: R. Aloko
  10. Benin
    85' Benin Card · Yellow Card
    Tamimou Ouorou

    Foul

  11. Botswana
    86' Botswana subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Gape Mohutsiwa · On: T. Maponda
  12. Benin
    90'+4 Benin Card · Yellow Card
    R. Aloko

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat Benin Botswana
Fouls 19 20
Pass Accuracy 85% 82%
Offsides 2 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 10 5
Corners 1 1
Total Passes 508 465
Yellow Cards 2 2
Blocked Shots 0 1
Shots on Target 4 1
xG — —
Shots off Target 6 3
Possession 52% 48%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 432 383
Shots Inside Box 9 3
Saves 1 3
Shots Outside Box 1 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Y. Roche's goal at 28 minutes marked a significant turning point, giving Benin the lead and momentum.
  • ▸ Botswana's early yellow card to K. Seakanyeng at 13 minutes disrupted their rhythm and added to their defensive challenges.