Preview for DR Congo v Benin

DR Congo, one of the dark horses in AFCON 2025, open their campaign against Benin tomorrow lunchtime.

The Central African nation finished fourth in the 2023 edition and arrive in Morocco on the back of a run of one defeat in the calendar year.

Sebastien Desabre has a team full of players operating in Europe’s top leagues and their high-press tactics ought to work well in a group that also features Senegal and Botswana.

“We take it step by step,” said Frenchman Desabre. “The first is to get out of the group stage. Right now, our only focus is the first match against Benin. After that, it’s knockout football.

“In this kind of tournament, anything can happen: you need to play well, have a bit of luck, and the right circumstances. The level at AFCON keeps rising, making every run even more demanding.”

Key to their chances will be emerging young midfielder Noah Sadiki, who has played a key role in Sunderland’s outstanding start to the Premier League season.

Desabre added: “We brought him in gradually. With young players, you always have to protect them as much as possible, because the pressure is huge and judgments can be very quick. At first, he got a few minutes, then he started, especially against Ethiopia. After that, he earned his place.

“It gives us the flexibility to make choices based on our tactical options. The midfield is very competitive, but over the past few months, especially at Sunderland, he’s really stepped up.”

Benin are likely to operate a more defensive approach and play on the counter. Gernot Rohr’s side are without a number of key players and their absences could be decisive. A draw for Benin would represent an excellent outcome.

Team News for DR Congo v Benin

DR Congo don’t have striker Yoane Wissa available after he was allowed to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury at club side Newcastle. Joris Kayembe is also absent.

Benin have four players serving a suspension, ruling out Andreas Hountondji, Junior Olaitan, Mohamed Tijani, and Marcel Dandjinou. Steve Mounie is injured.

Predicted line-ups for DR Congo v Benin

DR Congo: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Mukau, Sadiki; Elia, Bakambu, Banza

Benin: Allagbe; Kiki, Verdon, Moumini, Chadli; Dokou, Imourane; Dossou, Ahlinvi, Aiyegun; Tosin

How to watch DR Congo v Benin: TV and online streams

DR Congo versus Benin kicks off at 1230 UK time tomorrow. In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.

Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.