Senegal vs Botswana Prediction: The Zebras won't be able to go toe to toe against the Lion of Teranga

Senegal vs Botswana Prediction: Prediction & odds on the Match on 23 December 2025

The Lions of Teranga will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations journey against Botswana at the Stade Ibn-Batouta Stadium on Wednesday. Senegal, who had won the prestigious tournament once, will be keen to get off to a flying start against the Zebras, who are still waiting for their first-ever AFCON title. It’s going to be a one-sided game considering the disparity between the two teams. This season’s tournament will commence in Morocco with one primary aim: to claim the trophy. 

Senegal Form & Statistics

FIFA Ranking: 19th 

The Lions of Teranga have managed to triumph once in all their appearances in this competition. In the year 2021, Senegal defeated Egypt on penalties to secure their first-ever AFCON title. It wasn’t so rosy for them in the 2023 edition, where they were eliminated by the Ivory Coast in the knockout stages as the defending champions.

Senegal had a smooth sail in their attempt to secure a spot in Morocco, winning five times and sharing the spoils once. They also scored ten times while considering just a goal in a not-so-difficult group. 

The former African Champions are among the best teams in the continent and head here sky-high in confidence heading into this AFCON Tournament. Senegal have also picked up twelve points from their last five games in all competitions. 

Senegal Team News

The hosts boost quality players across their ranks, and with a combination of experienced and young teams, they stand a better chance of winning the AFCON title for the second time. The only missing piece is Assane Diao, who has been replaced by Usseynou Niang. 

Senegal Potential Lineup (4-3-3)

Mendy—Diouf, Niakhate, Coulibaly, Diatta—Camara, Gueye, Diarra—Sarr, Jackson, Mane

Head coach: Pape Thiaw

Botswana Form & Statistics

FIFA Ranking: 138th

The Southern African-based side head here for just the second time in their history, after finishing second in the qualifying round. Botswana, who stood their ground against the likes of Egypt and Cabo Verde, deserved to be here. 

Morena Ramoreboli’s men presently ranked 138th in the latest FIFA Ranking, following their run of seven games without a breakthrough. 

The Zebras last appeared in this competition in 2012, where they failed to win any of their ground games, and they’ll seek redemption as an underdog in a group that contains Senegal, Congo and Benin. 

Botswana Team News

Coach Morena Ramoreboli is known for his coordinated defence when he wants to. We have seen this played out in one of their qualifying games against the almighty Egypt. However, they lack the quality to compete against the top guns in this competition. 

The Zebras won't be able to play toe to toe against a dangerous Senegal attack; as usual, they will revert to a five-man defence. 

Botswana Potential Lineup (5-2-3)

Kgosipula—Johnson, Gaolaolwe, Kopelang, Velaphi, Leinanyane—Mohutiswa, Seakanyeng—Sesinyi, Orebonye, Boy

Head coach: Morena Ramoreboli

Senegal vs Botswana: head-to-head statistics

Senegal have won their last two games against Botswana, scoring five times without conceding a single goal. However, it was in the qualifying round in 2014, with most of their players still present to date. 

Senegal vs Botswana: Betting Tips & Odds

• Four of Senegal's previous five games have ended in more than two goals. A total of over 2.5 goals might surface here for a coefficient of 1.75 on the BC.Game bookmaker.
• Botswana have failed to keep a clean sheet across their previous six games in all competitions. I expect them not to score against Senegal, which is available for 1.65 on BC.Game bookmaker.
• Fewer than four cards have surfaced in Botswana's last three consecutive matches. We may see fewer than four cards here, which are available on the Betway Bookmaker for 1.65.
• Apart from the friendly games, Senegal are unbeaten in their last eighteen competitive games. The Lion of Ternaga will likely fight for all the points and score more than once here for a coefficient of 1.61 on the 1xbet bookmaker.

Senegal vs Botswana Match Prediction, 23 December 2025

Senegal were defensively solid in the Africa Nations Cup qualifying games, but have been below par in front of goal. The former AFCON defending champions scored ten goals while conceding once so far, which was very unlike the Lions of Teranga. However, they have improved massively in recent games, and they’ll be keen to get off to a flying start. Meanwhile, Botswana are known for frustrating their opponents, defensively, which we saw in one of their games against the almighty Egypt. 

Senegal are one of the sides with the best attacks in the competition, with the likes of Mane, Jackson, and both Sarrs ready to pounce on any opportunity. Botswana won’t be able to match Senegal’s intensity, and they will revert to a back five and hope they get a chance to counterattack. It seems very unlikely, and I think they’ll be run over by the Lion of Teranga later tomorrow. It's too early to determine how confident Senegal will operate in the final third, and I will assume at most three goals surface here against the Zebras.

My match prediction is that Senegal will win and score fewer than three goals for a coefficient of 1.85 on the 1xbet bookmaker. 

My betting tip on this match is for this game to produce more goals after the break, for a coefficient of 2.25 on the Betway bookmaker.

My final betting tip is for Senegal to win at the break at 1.65 on the BC.Game bookmaker. 

Good luck!