Senegal begin their AFCON 2025 Group D campaign in Tangier knowing that anything short of progression would be regarded as failure, yet the Lions of Teranga arrive in Morocco at a delicate point in their cycle.

The 2021 champions remain one of Africa’s most complete squads, but this tournament represents a subtle handover of responsibility. Established pillars such as Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mané are still present, while a younger generation led by Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye is increasingly shaping the team’s attacking identity.

Since replacing Aliou Cissé, head coach Pape Thiaw has overseen a smooth transition rather than a rupture. Senegal have lost just once in 14 matches under his leadership, qualified comfortably for the 2026 World Cup, and recently underlined their elite credentials by defeating England 3–1 in a high-profile friendly. The expectation is clear: Senegal are not merely targeting qualification, but another deep run.

Botswana, by contrast, arrive as one of the tournament’s true outsiders. Making only their second AFCON appearance and first since 2012, the Zebras qualified by outperforming expectations in a group that included Egypt and Cape Verde. Their campaign was defined by organisation, resilience, and an ability to frustrate technically superior sides.

Morena Ramoreboli’s squad is largely domestically based and lacks tournament experience, but that absence of pressure could work in their favour. Against one of the continent’s heavyweights, Botswana’s objective will be simple: survive the early phases, limit damage, and hope that discipline and opportunism can keep them competitive.