Senegal have won both previous meetings with Botswana, these coming in AFCON qualifiers 11 years ago, prevailing 2-0 in Gaborone and then 3-0 at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar.
Against only four nations, that they've faced more than once, do Senegal boast a 100% record without so much as conceding a goal; South Sudan, Mauritius and Lesotho the others.
Senegal vs Botswana preview
Senegal commence their Africa Cup of Nations campaign as one of the favourites to go all the way, so will they make a winning start at Ibn Batouta Stadium? After losing in the finals of 2002 and 2019, the Lions of Teranga finally got their hands on this trophy for the very first time back in 2022, defeating Egypt in a penalty shootout in Yaoundé. However, they did not come particularly close to retaining their title, ousting in the round of 16 at the most-recent edition by hosts and eventual winners Côte d'Ivoire in Yamoussoukro, a result that ultimately cost manager Aliou Cissé his job.
Now led by Pape Thiaw, many would argue that this team might be even better. They Lions of Teranga came through World Cup qualification unbeaten, looking forward to facing France, Norway and a play-off winners stateside next summer. In fact, only Brazil have managed to beat Senegal across their last 26 matches, notably defeating England 3-1 in a friendly in Nottingham back in June. Thus, Senegal are one of AFCON's best teams, certainly expected to win this opener in Ṭangier on Tuesday.
As for Botswana, this is set to be only their second-ever Africa Cup of Nations appearance, debuting back in 2012, losing all three matches, including an ignominious 6-1 hammering at the hands of Guinea in Franceville. So, just being here is a fantastic achievement for the Zebras.
Alongside Zimbabwe, they are one of only two pot 4 teams to come through qualifying, with Botswana finishing above both Mauritania and World Cup-bound Cape Verde to make it. Morena Ramoreboli's team have only beaten Somalia, ranked 200th in the world, across their last eight competitive matches, but are simply just delighted to be at the party, even if they're set to be Group D's whipping boys. So, an emphatic Senegalese victory if forecast here.
Senegal vs Botswana head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Senegal Wins: 2. Draws: Zero. Botswana Wins: Zero.
Senegal team news
Pape Thiaw is without Ilay Camara of Anderlecht and Como's Assane Diao due to injury, but he still boasts a very strong squad.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly will win his 99th cap, looking to become only the third Senegalese man to reach 100, alongside teammates Idrissa Gana Gueye and Sadio Mané.
Other familiar faces include goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham as well as wingers Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, who have both starred in the Premier League. Lastly, Sunderland's Habib Diarra has not featured since September due to a groin injury, but is in the squad.
Senegal predicted lineup vs Botswana: (4-2-3-1): É Mendy; A Mendy, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Malick Diouf; Gana Gueye, Matar Sarr, Sarr, Mané, Ndiate; Jackson.
Senegal player to watch vs Botswana
Sadio Mané has 50 international goals to his name, netting at four different editions of AFCON, so will he make that five here?
Botswana team news
The vast majority of Morena Ramoreboli's squad ply their trade in the domstic league, with very few familiar faces.
There are only five exceptions, including forward Tumisang Orebonye of Wydad AC in Morocco.
Botswana predicted lineup vs Senegal: (4-3-3): Kgosipula; Velaphi, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Johnson; Mohutsiwa, Ditsile, Seakanyeng; Boy, Orebonye, Sesinyi.
Botswana player to watch vs Senegal
Kabelo Seakanyeng has ten international goals to his name, on target during Botswana's most recent win over Somalia in Maputo in June, so could he be their hero here?
Senegal vs Botswana prediction
We are confidently backing Senegal to pick up three points at Ibn Batouta Stadium, likely to swat a Botswana team lacking quality aside in Ṭangier on Tuesday afternoon: Senegal 3-0 Botswana.
Senegal vs Botswana FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Senegal vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Senegal 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 Senegal vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Senegal 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 Senegal vs Botswana in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Senegal vs Botswana takes place on Tuesday 23 December 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (ET) & 7:00 (PT).