DR Congo have never lost any of their five previous meetings with Botswana, most-recently beating the Zebras 2-0 in a friendly in June 2017.
Botswana vs DR Congo preview
DR Congo are already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, but could they snatch top spot in Group D? So far, the Leopards began their campaign by beating Benin 1-0 in Rabāṭ with Théo Bongonda the only scorer. Then, on Sunday, Sébastien Desabre's side took the lead against one of the tournament favourites Senegal, Cédric Bakambu breaking the deadlock on the hour mark in Ṭangier, only for the Lions of Téranga to equalise soon after.
Nevertheless, this leaves DR Congo on four points, thereby all but mathematically guaranteed a spot in the round of 16. The Leopards reached the semi-finals at the most-recent AFCON and are one win away from a first World Cup appearance since 1974, set to face either New Caledonia or Jamaica in March's inter-confederation play-off in Guadalajara. Thus, DR Congo are a team on the up, so can they snatch top spot by winning in Rabāṭ and hoping Senegal slip up in Ṭangier simultaneously?
As for Botswana, they have already been eliminated with a game to spare. The Zebras have lost both games so far, first beaten 3-0 by Senegal. In that match a week ago, Senegal had 28 shots, 17 of which were on target, created nine big chances and had 57 touches on the Botswana penalty area, with goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko making a staggering 14 saves.
Thus, following Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Benin, Morena Ramoreboli's team are guaranteed to finish bottom, irrespective of the outcome here, given that head-to-head is the tiebreaker. This is only the Zebras' second AFCON appearance, after 2012, losing all five matches they have played in the competition, so even a draw for Botswana at Al Medina Stadium would be an historic result.
Botswana vs DR Congo head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 5.
- Botswana Wins: Zero. Draws: 3. DR Congo Wins: 2.
Botswana team news
Despite having nothing tangible to play for, Morena Ramoreboli's team will be at full strength.
Goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko has made 17 saves across the Zebras' two AFCON fixtures to date, and should expect another busy night's work.
Botswana predicted lineup vs DR Congo: (4-2-3-1): Phoko; Velaphi, Ditlhokwe, Gaolaolwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa, Ratshkudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho.
Botswana player to watch vs DR Congo
Kabelo Seakanyeng is the top-scorer in the Botswana squad with ten international goals, albeit the most recent of these came against Somalia in June 2024, so can he end this draught here?
DR Congo team news
Already guaranteed a spot in the knockouts, but uncertain as to whether they'll finish first, second or even third, will Sébastien Desabre rotate his team?
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku alongside Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe is one of the best back fours at this tournament, with Sunderland's Noah Sadiki also a key figure in midfield.
DR Congo predicted lineup vs Botswana: (4-5-1): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Mukau, Sadiki, Bongonda, Elia; Bakambu.
DR Congo player to watch vs Botswana
Cédric Bakambu remains DR Congo's talisman, taking his tally to 21 for the Leopards by scoring against Senegal on Saturday, so will he find the target at Al Medina Stadium?
Botswana vs DR Congo prediction
Botswana have lost all five AFCON matches they've ever played and that trend is forecast to continue in Rabāṭ with DR Congo overwhelming favourites for victory: Botswana 0-2 DR Congo.
Botswana vs DR Congo FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Botswana vs DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Botswana vs DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Botswana vs DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Botswana vs DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: 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 Botswana vs DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Botswana vs DR Congo takes place on Tuesday 30 December 2025, with kick off at 19:00 (GMT), 14:00 (ET) & 11:00 (PT).