DR Congo vs Benin: A High-Stakes AFCON Opener Filled With History and Hope
Let me walk you through why the DR Congo versus Benin clash is already being talked about as one of the most intriguing opening games of AFCON 2025. This match is set to be played at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, and it’s not just another group-stage fixture. It’s the first step in a tournament that carries big expectations for both teams, but for very different reasons.
DR Congo are coming into this match as clear favorites. The Leopards have built a reputation over the years as a physically strong and tactically mature side, and that reputation has been reinforced by their recent AFCON performances. A fourth-place finish in the last edition showed that they can go deep when things click. Under Sébastien Desabre, a balanced squad has been assembled, mixing experience with fresh faces. Captain Chancel Mbemba is once again expected to lead from the back, while attacking responsibility is likely to be shared by familiar names like Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa. It’s being seen as a team in transition, but one that hasn’t lost its competitive edge.
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Benin, on the other hand, are entering this tournament with a sense of rediscovery. After missing the last two AFCON editions, their return alone feels like a statement. Memories of the unforgettable 2019 run, when they reached the quarterfinals without winning a single group-stage match, are still very much alive. That campaign changed how Beninese football was viewed, both at home and across the continent. Goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé, one of the survivors from that squad, is again expected to be a key figure, bringing calm and experience at the back.
Head-to-head history slightly favors DR Congo. The two teams have met twice before, during World Cup qualifiers, with one draw and one convincing win for the Leopards. Those results are often mentioned, but this match is being treated as a fresh story. Benin coach Gernot Rohr has already made it clear that progress is the priority, but ambition hasn’t been hidden. Even with several suspensions affecting his squad, it’s been stressed that collective effort will be relied upon to fill the gaps.
Tactically, this game promises an interesting contrast. DR Congo’s power and attacking intent are expected to be tested against Benin’s compact, disciplined structure. For Benin, a positive result here could set the tone for the entire group and prove that their return to AFCON is no accident. For DR Congo, anything less than a strong start would be seen as a missed opportunity.
All eyes will be on Rabat, because this opener feels like more than just three points. It’s about momentum, belief, and announcing intentions on Africa’s biggest football stage.
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