The Stade Olympique de Rabat was awash with anticipation on December 27, 2025, as Benin and Botswana squared off in a crucial Group D encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. For both teams, the stakes could hardly have been higher: each entered the match without a point, and their hopes of progressing in the tournament were hanging by a thread. The pressure was palpable, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Would experience or hunger prevail?
Benin, guided by the seasoned German tactician Gernot Rohr, were desperate to shake off a long-standing AFCON jinx. The Cheetahs had never secured a victory in normal time across 15 previous matches spread over three tournament appearances. Their last outing, a narrow 1-0 defeat to DR Congo, had left fans frustrated but hopeful, especially with the return of several key players for this pivotal game. Botswana, meanwhile, were making only their second-ever appearance at the finals, hoping to rewrite a history that saw them lose all three group matches in their 2012 debut.
The match’s importance was underscored by the appointment of Shamirah Nabadda as the center referee. Nabadda, recently named CAF’s best female referee of 2025, made history as the first Ugandan center referee to officiate at AFCON since Muhammad Ssegonga in 2010. She was joined by Diana Chikotesha from Zambia and Carine Atezambong Fomo from Cameroon as assistants, with Clement Franklin Kpan of Ivory Coast as the fourth official and Gabon’s Pierre Ghislan Atcho in charge of VAR. The officiating team’s presence added another layer of prestige to an already momentous occasion.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that both sides felt the magnitude of the moment. Botswana, led by new coach Morena Ramoreboli, nearly stunned the Benin faithful early on when Tumisang Orebonye fired a close-range volley over the bar. The Zebras’ nerves were evident, yet they defended with impressive discipline, holding a high line and looking to spring forward on the counter. Benin, however, gradually began to assert themselves, with Sessi D’Almeida orchestrating play from midfield and the returning Steve Mounié providing a focal point up front.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute, and what a moment it was for Benin. Defender Yohan Roche, who had exchanged passes with Mounié on the edge of the box, found himself in a pocket of space. With composure and precision, Roche rifled a right-footed shot into the roof of the net—his effort deflected just enough to leave Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko stranded. The Stade Olympique erupted. According to match reports, "Roche finished from close range after a well-worked move, steering a right-footed effort into the roof of the net following an assist from captain Steve Mounié."
The goal was a turning point, both in the match and in Benin’s AFCON history. For the first time ever, the Cheetahs held a lead in a finals match with victory within reach. But Botswana weren’t about to roll over. Just eight minutes later, midfielder Mothusi Johnson unleashed a thunderous left-footed free-kick from distance that crashed off the crossbar, drawing gasps from the crowd. It was a warning shot—Benin’s advantage was anything but secure.
The first half was a physical affair, with challenges flying in across midfield. Botswana’s Kabelo Seakanyeng was booked in the 13th minute, followed by Lebogang Ditsele just before halftime. Benin, by contrast, reached the interval without a booking—a potentially significant advantage as the match wore on and tempers flared. Statistically, Benin edged control: 60.2% possession, four shots to Botswana’s four, and both sides level on fouls and corners. The numbers told a story of balance, but the scoreboard favored the Cheetahs.
As the teams emerged for the second half, Botswana’s coach Ramoreboli made a triple substitution, injecting fresh legs and youthful energy into the side. Among the changes was 19-year-old Losika Ratshukudu, whose introduction signaled a bold intent to chase the game. Yet, it was Benin who continued to carve out the better chances. Goalkeeper Phoko was called into action twice, making crucial saves to deny Tamimou Ouorou and later reacting sharply when a drive by right-back Ouorou deflected off Johnson.
Benin’s resilience was tested to the limit as Botswana pressed for an equalizer. With each passing minute, the tension inside the stadium grew. Benin’s Dodo Dokou had a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt in the dying moments, but blazed his shot over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat. The miss kept Botswana’s hopes alive, but the final whistle confirmed what the Benin supporters had longed for—history had been made.
With the 1-0 victory, Benin not only secured their first points of AFCON 2025 but also celebrated their first-ever win in normal time at the tournament. The sense of relief and jubilation was unmistakable. Manager Gernot Rohr, who had restored key players like Mounié, goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, center-back Mohamed Tijani, and winger Junior Olaitan, praised his squad’s composure and determination. The Cheetahs’ win, achieved through grit and a moment of quality, places them in a promising position to advance from Group D—especially with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stages, as it did during their memorable 2019 campaign.
Botswana, for their part, can take heart from their spirited display. Despite suffering a second group defeat, the Zebras showed flashes of quality and came heartbreakingly close to snatching a point. Their young squad, bolstered by new faces and guided by Ramoreboli’s tactical acumen, will look to regroup ahead of their final group match against DR Congo. For the southern African nation, the dream of a maiden AFCON win is still alive—just delayed.
Looking ahead, both teams face decisive fixtures on December 30, 2025. Benin will take on group favorites Senegal in Tangier, while Botswana meet DR Congo in Rabat. With Senegal and DR Congo each sitting on three points, the group remains finely poised. The drama is far from over.
As the dust settles on a historic night in Rabat, Benin’s players and fans alike can savor a long-awaited triumph. The Cheetahs have finally broken their AFCON duck—and with momentum on their side, they’ll hope this is just the beginning of a new chapter in their footballing story.
