DR Congo vs Benin prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 23 December 2025
One of the opening matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will take place on Tuesday at the Al-Barid Stadium in Rabat, where DR Congo will face off against Benin. Here’s a prediction for the outcome of this clash, with solid odds for success.
Match preview
DR Congo enter the tournament in outstanding form. The team has won its last five matches, including a convincing victory over Zambia in their final warm-up before AFCON. During this run, the Leopards have conceded just once, underlining their defensive solidity.
Wins over Cameroon and Nigeria in World Cup qualifying have further boosted the squad’s confidence, bringing them within touching distance of a historic World Cup berth. The absence of key player Yoane Wissa will certainly be felt, but the squad still looks strong and competitive. This match is a chance to stake their claim for a playoff spot right from the start of the tournament.
Benin, on the other hand, are not in such high spirits: two heavy defeats to Nigeria and Burkina Faso have dented the team’s self-belief. Previously, they had strung together three clean-sheet victories, but that stability now feels like a distant memory. Their approach to the tournament has been anything but smooth.
Nonetheless, Benin remain a team capable of springing surprises. With experienced coach Gernot Rohr at the helm—well-versed at this level and adept at motivating his players for key encounters—Benin will be hoping to turn things around. They’ve never beaten DR Congo in official matches, but now is the perfect opportunity to try and break that trend and claim their first point in the group.
Probable lineups
- DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku, Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Elia, Bakambu, Mbuku
- Benin: Dandjinou, Kiki, Tidjani, Verdon, Ouro, Imourane, Dodo, Olaytan, Aloko, Mounie, Tosin
Match facts and head-to-head
- DR Congo have won their last five matches, conceding just once.
- Benin have lost their last two games by a combined score of 0-7.
- Benin have never beaten DR Congo in official encounters.
Prediction
DR Congo are on a roll and look far more stable than their opponents. Benin are struggling for form and are unlikely to put up much resistance at the start of the tournament. Given the current form and psychological state of both teams, expect a clean-sheet victory for the Leopards.
