These two teams will meet for the very first time, becoming the 45th different opponent Benin have faced, while Botswana have faced 53 different nations to date.
Benin vs Botswana preview
After both were beaten in their Africa Cup of Nations openers on Tuesday, it is vital for both to get off the mark at Stade Olympique de Rabat. Benin were narrowly beaten 1-0 by DR Congo in their AFCON opener earlier this week, the afternoon's only goal coming inside the first quarter of an hour.
This was the Cheetahs' 15th match at a Cup of Nations, still yet to claim a victory, despite reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 edition, as implausible as that sounds. Back then, after drawing all three group matches, they surprisingly ousted Morocco on penalties, before their fairytale run was ended by Senegal in Cairo. With Senegal their final opponents in this group, this match is surely the best chance Gernot Rohr's team will get to claim that illusive first-ever AFCON win.
As for Botswana, they were swatted aside 3-0 by the aforementioned Senegal in Ṭangier on Tuesday, mustering only two shots while the Lions of Teranga had 22, of which 13 found the target.
The Zebras are making only their second Cup of Nations appearance, losing all three matches on debut in 2012, including being hammered 6-1 by Guinea back then. Morena Ramoreboli's side upset the odds just to qualify, now seeking Botswana's first-ever AFCON point, but Benin will surely fancy their chances of an historic first victory at the competition in Rabāṭ on Saturday.
Benin vs Botswana head-to-head record
These two teams have never previously met.
Benin team news
Gernot Rohr made some bold selection decisions against DR Congo, including starting Aiyegun Tosin in attack, chosen over the squad's leading scorer Steve Mounié, once of Huddersfield.
Elsewhere, after coming off the bench in that one, winger Olatoundji Tessilimi will be hoping to start this time.
Benin predicted lineup vs Botswana: (4-2-3-1): Allagbé; Moumini, Verdon, Roche, Ouorou; D'Almeida, Imourane, Aloko, Dokou, Dossou; Tosin.
Benin player to watch vs Botswana
Midfielder Jodel Dossou has ten international goals to his name, now seeking to score at a Cup of Nations for the very first time.
Botswana team news
Goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko was in inspired form on Tuesday, making 14 saves during Botswana's opener against Senegal, earning wide-spread praise despite the 3-0 scoreline.
Overall, almost every member of Morena Ramoreboli's squad ply their trade domestically, none doing so outside Africa, including centre-back Mosha Gaolaolwe who will win his 88th cap.
Botswana predicted lineup vs Benin: (4-5-1): Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Cooper, Orebonye, Mohutsiwa, Seakanyeng; Kebatho.
Botswana player to watch vs Benin
Omaatla Kebatho will once again have the unenviable task of leading the Zebras' attack so, having scored the goal against Egypt that secured qualification a year ago, could he be their hero again?
Benin vs Botswana prediction
This clash at the Rabat Olympic Stadium on Saturday is unlikely to be a high-scoring classic, but we're backing Benin to be the team of the pair to claim their maiden AFCON win: Benin 1-0 Botswana.
Benin vs Botswana FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Benin vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Benin vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Benin vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Benin vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Benin vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Benin vs Botswana takes place on Saturday 27 December 2025, with kick off at 12:30 (GMT), 7:30 (ET) & 4:30 (PT).