Senegal vs Botswana Prediction, Preview, Injuries and Team News

The first matchday of Group D will see Senegal lock horns with Botswana at the Africa Cup of Nations. One of the pre-tournament favourites, Senegal are stacked with attacking firepower. Find out who will emerge on top from the Senegal vs Botswana preview, Senegal vs Botswana prediction, Senegal vs Botswana injuries and Senegal vs Botswana team news.

Senegal vs Botswana Preview

The Senegal National Football Team booked a ticket to the AFCON after a dominant qualifying campaign. It is their 18th appearance, and the 2021 winners are keen to repeat their feats in Morocco. Led by the legendary Sadio Mane, their attack is enviable with plenty of depth as well. With stars in almost all the top leagues of Europe, they command respect from any opposition. They take on Botswana for the first time in the main tournament and will be eager to make a winning start.

The Botswana national football team returns to the continental stage for the first time after 2012. During their debut tournament in 2012, the Zebras lost all three group stage games and exited the tournament in the group stage. Headed by the South African manager Morena Ramoreboli, they sealed qualification after 13 years by finishing as the runners-up in Group C. They held Egypt to an impressive 1-1 draw during qualifying. They played multiple friendlies against top sides and are prepared well. However, their hunt for a first victory at the tournament will have to wait as they face a strong Senegal side.

Senegal vs Botswana Match Info

Match Info: African Cup of Nations, Group D, Matchday 1

Stadium Name: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tanger, Morocco

Kickoff Time: 23rd December 2025, 16:00 CET

Senegal Team News

Senegal has a strong squad available, but the manager, Pape Thiaw, has some concerns. Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Ismail Jakobs are all question marks for the clash and face late fitness tests. The other stars are all available for selection.

Senegal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Mendy

Defenders: Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf

Midfielders: Gueye, Camara, Sarr

Forwards: Ndiaye, Mane, Sarr

Botswana Team News

Botswana have a fully fit squad as they reported no late injuries or withdrawals. They have only five players playing in foreign leagues, and the manager has an idea of the rest of the squad plying their trade in the Botswana top flight.

Botswana Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Kaosipula

Defenders: Velaphi, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Johnson

Midfielder: Seakanyeng, Mohutiswa, Ditsele

Forwards: Boy, Sesinyi, Orebonye

Senegal vs Botswana Injuries

Senegal has only one player absent from the main squad. The other injuries in their squads are all touch-and-go. Botswana have no injury concerns as of now.

Senegal Injuries

Here are Senegal's injuries ahead of their Botswana clash.

Senegal vs Botswana Prediction

Senegal are historically one of the best teams on matchday 1 when it comes to making winning starts. Given that they play an inferior opposition, they will be expected to collect all three points without any resistance. However, if Botswana can defend tightly, they can spring a surprise on the break.

SportsDunia's Senegal vs Botswana prediction: Senegal 3-0 Botswana