Overview
After reaching the most recent AFCON semi-finals before stopping against champions of Ivory Coast, Congo entered the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAN) Cup with a high spirit, especially in the context of recent positive results.
Coach Sebastien Desabre's team has excellently finished second in the World Cup qualifiers, before passing Cameroon and Nigeria to advance to the final of the intercontinental play-off round. Les Leopards are now just a few days away from a second World Cup appearance with a right victory, a goal they aim to complete by March 2026.
In parallel with that ambition, Congo is also determined to make its mark at the AFCON held in Morocco. The convincing victory over Zambia in their final friendly match before the tournament helped them extend their winning streak to 5 consecutive matches. Notably, in this series of matches, the Central African team only conceded one goal, a factor that can play a key role in a tournament famous for its harshness and physical exhaustion.
On the other hand, Benin is only participating in the AFCON for the fifth time and often does not leave much of an impression. Their best result was reaching the quarter-finals in 2019, also the first time they have passed the group stage after four previous appearances.
However, the presence of coach Gernot Rohr brings hope for a turning point. The German strategist who led the Super Eagles of Nigeria to the AFCON bronze medal 6 years ago is expected to help Les Guepards improve their image in the continental arena.
However, before the upcoming opening match, Benin needs to quickly regain their form after two heavy defeats of 0-4 and 0-3 against Nigeria and Burkina Faso. These results are in complete contrast to the previous three consecutive win without conceding. This is an achievement that once brought them closer to a World Cup ticket, but now it seems to have retreated.
Benin are still waiting for their first win against Congo, and the upcoming clash at Rabat is considered the ideal time for Rohr and his team to end their unsatisfactory results. Notably, Brazil have not lost three consecutive matches since 2022, and they hope to maintain this record when they leave the field.
Personnel situation
The absence of Yoane Wissa is certainly the most mentioned issue on the Congo side. The striker has just returned from a long knee injury suffered in an international break in September.
When Wissa could not participate, Cedric Bakambu was expected to carry the national team's attack. The veteran striker is on the brink of breaking Congo's all-time record, with just two goals behind the 22-goal mark held by Dieumerci Mbokani.
On the opposite side, Steve mounie is likely to lead the line for Benin. The striker is also cherishing historic ambitions, with only 2 goals left to equal Stephane Sessegnon's record of 24 goals, thereby becoming the greatest striker in French football.
mounie has just scored 4 goals in his most recent official debut for Alanyaspor, although he has not scored after 7 matches in the Super Lig this season.
In addition, Dokou Dodo is gradually affirming his pivotal role in the Benin squad and will likely have an AFCON debut match, marking an important step forward in the young player's international career.
Expected lineup:
Congo: Mpasi-Nzau, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku, Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Elia, Bakambu, Mbuku.
Benin: Dandjinou, Kiki, Tijani, Verdon, Ouorou, Imourane, Dodo, Olaitan, Aloko, mounie, Tosin.
The match between Congo and Benin takes place at 7:30 p.m. on December 23 (Vietnam time).
