The Africa Cup of Nations 2025, Africa’s premier international football tournament, is in full swing in Morocco, and Group D is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the competition. As the group stage heats up, fans are eagerly anticipating the second round of matches, scheduled for Saturday, December 27, 2025. With Senegal set to square off against DR Congo and Benin taking on Botswana, the stakes couldn’t be higher as teams jostle for a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.
This year’s AFCON, the 35th edition of the biennial tournament, brings together 24 of Africa’s top men’s national teams. Hosted across nine venues in six Moroccan cities from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the competition promises drama, passion, and plenty of surprises. Morocco, the 1976 champions, are hoping to become the second consecutive host nation to lift the trophy, while defending champions Ivory Coast aim to achieve back-to-back triumphs—a feat not seen since Egypt’s run from 2006 to 2010.
Group D, featuring Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana, has already delivered a strong opening act. On December 23, Senegal made a statement with a commanding 3-0 victory over Botswana, while DR Congo edged Benin 1-0 in a hard-fought contest. These results set the stage for a pivotal showdown between the group’s early leaders.
Senegal’s opening win was a showcase of their attacking prowess and defensive discipline. The Lions of Teranga, considered among the pre-tournament favorites, dispatched Botswana with clinical efficiency. Jackson was the hero of the night, netting twice (in the 40th and 58th minutes), with Ndiaye adding a late third in the 90th minute. The result not only gave Senegal three points but also a healthy goal difference, placing them atop the group standings after the first round.
DR Congo, meanwhile, demonstrated grit and determination in their 1-0 win over Benin. Theo Bongonda’s 16th-minute strike proved decisive, and the Leopards’ defense held firm to secure all three points. While not as flashy as Senegal’s performance, DR Congo’s victory was a testament to their tactical discipline and ability to grind out results—qualities that could serve them well as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead to the second matchday, the schedule is as follows: Benin faces Botswana at 12:30 GMT, followed by the headline clash between Senegal and DR Congo at 15:00 GMT. Both matches will be broadcast live across a plethora of platforms, ensuring fans around the globe won’t miss a moment of the action. Viewers can tune in via 4Seven, Arena Premium 3 Srbija HD, beIN Connect MENA HD, beIN Connect USA, beIN Sports 1 HD (Astro), beIN Sports Australia 3 HD, beIN Sports MENA Max channels, beIN Sports US Español, Canal+ CAN, Channel 4 Streaming (ALL4), DAZN (Deutsch and Japan), EXXEN Digital Türkiye, Fanatiz USA, Fubo Sports USA, M+ Liga de Campeones HD, Megogo Futbol 1, Sport TV1 Portugal HD, Sportdigital FUSSBALL HD, Sportitalia HD, SportKlub 2 Hrvatska, SuperSport Máximo 360, SuperSport PSL HD, YouTube Channel 4 Sport, and Ziggo Sport 2. For fans in the United States, beIN Sports holds the primary broadcast rights, with streaming available through Fubo and beIN Sports Connect.
Senegal and DR Congo’s matchup is, without a doubt, the marquee fixture of the day. Both sides enter with three points and an opportunity to seize control of Group D. Senegal’s blend of star power and depth has made them a force to be reckoned with in recent years, and their performance against Botswana only reinforced their credentials. Yet, DR Congo is no pushover. Their narrow win over Benin showcased a team capable of absorbing pressure and capitalizing on key moments.
The group stage format sees each team play three matches in a round-robin setup, with the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds. This structure keeps the door open for all four Group D teams, even those who stumbled in their openers. For Benin and Botswana, Saturday’s early game is a must-win to keep their tournament hopes alive. Benin, having lost narrowly to DR Congo, will look to bounce back against Botswana, who will be desperate to shake off their heavy defeat to Senegal.
Context is everything in a tournament as competitive as AFCON. Senegal, runners-up in 2019 and champions in 2021, are hungry to reclaim their crown after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. DR Congo, two-time AFCON winners, have a storied history and a squad brimming with talent and experience. Both teams know that a win on Saturday all but guarantees passage to the knockout stage, while a draw would keep the group finely balanced heading into the final round of matches.
The broader AFCON landscape is just as compelling. Alongside Group D’s drama, other groups are witnessing fierce battles. Morocco, the hosts, started strong with a 2-0 win over Comoros, while Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and Tunisia have all shown flashes of brilliance. Ivory Coast, the reigning champions, opened their title defense with a 1-0 victory over Mozambique. With the knockout rounds beginning January 3, 2026, and the final set for January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, every point and every goal could prove decisive.
For fans hoping to follow every twist and turn, the tournament’s comprehensive coverage across television and streaming platforms makes it more accessible than ever. Whether you’re watching from the stands in Morocco or tuning in from halfway around the world, the excitement of AFCON 2025 is palpable.
As Saturday’s matches approach, the anticipation is building. Can Senegal continue their dominant form, or will DR Congo spring a surprise and seize the group’s top spot? Will Benin or Botswana reignite their campaigns and keep their dreams alive? With the group stage still in its early days, there’s everything to play for, and no shortage of drama on the horizon.
One thing is certain: Group D’s second matchday is set to deliver high-stakes football, passionate performances, and moments that could define the tournament. Fans won’t want to miss a second as the road to AFCON 2025 glory continues to unfold in Morocco.
