The opening clash between DR Congo and Benin at Morocco 2025 gives the Africa Cup of Nations a storyline packed with history, emotion and ambition as both nations begin their Group D campaigns in Rabat. This fixture is more than just a group game; it is a reunion of familiar faces, intersecting careers and nations seeking to redefine their place in African football.
Benin’s return to Africa Cup of Nations spotlight
For Benin, the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco marks a long-awaited comeback after missing the 2021 and 2023 editions. Their last big moment on this stage came in 2019, when the Guépards shocked the continent by reaching the quarterfinals in Egypt, the best AFCON performance in the country’s history. That run still fuels belief, but the message within the camp is clear: 2025 is a fresh chapter, not a nostalgia tour.
Goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé, one of the few holdovers from that 2019 squad, embodies that bridge between past and present. He has spoken about the “great memories” from Egypt but stressed that this Africa Cup of Nations is “a new story,” one in which Benin want to prove they belong consistently among the continent’s elite. Under veteran coach Gernot Rohr, the team has built a reputation for defensive discipline and tactical organization, qualities that served them well in qualifying for Morocco 2025.
Drawn into a stacked Group D alongside 2021 champions Senegal, 2023 semifinalists DR Congo and a dangerous Botswana side, Benin know their margin for error is slim. That makes this opening game against DR Congo crucial: a positive result would both set the tone for their campaign and signal that the 2019 breakthrough was no fluke.
DR Congo’s experience meets Benin’s hunger
DR Congo arrive at this Africa Cup of Nations with a proud AFCON pedigree and a squad that blends seasoned leaders with a wave of newcomers. Captain Chancel Mbemba is set for his sixth AFCON appearance, anchoring a group where 11 players are experiencing the finals for the first time. That balance reflects coach Sébastien Desabre’s approach: refreshing the squad without sacrificing the spine that carried the Leopards to fourth place at the 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
Since 2000, DR Congo have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals nine times and reached the semifinals twice, consistently proving they can go deep when they find the right mix of power, structure and belief. Their recent fourth-place finish only reinforced the idea that they remain one of the continent’s most dangerous knockout teams.
The relationship between Desabre and Rohr adds a personal layer to this matchup. The two coaches share mutual respect from years in the African game, and Desabre also has a direct link to Allagbé from their time together at Niort. Both coaches were quick to downplay any mind games, insisting that once the whistle blows, only collective performance and tactical execution will matter.
Key storylines heading into DR Congo vs Benin
This Africa Cup of Nations showdown in Rabat offers multiple subplots that make it one of the most intriguing early fixtures of Morocco 2025:
- Benin’s AFCON evolution
Benin are playing just their fifth AFCON finals, but expectations have shifted dramatically since 2019. Previously happy just to qualify, the Guépards now talk openly about reaching the knockouts again and potentially going even further. Their qualifying campaign for Morocco 2025 highlighted a team built on compact defending and collective effort—classic Rohr trademarks. - DR Congo’s consistency on the big stage
The Leopards have become AFCON regulars capable of upsetting any giant on their day. Their physicality, intensity and ability to grind out results make them favorites on paper, and some observers already see them as dark horses to win the entire Africa Cup of Nations. - Suspensions and absences
Benin enter the opener shorthanded, with five players suspended: Junior Olaitan, Steve Mounié, Andreas Hountondji, Mohamed Tijani and Marcel Dandjinou. Rohr has emphasized that this is the moment for team solidarity to shine, insisting the group will compensate through commitment and fighting spirit. DR Congo, for their part, are only missing forward Simon Banza, leaving most of their key pieces available.
Tactical contrast at the Africa Cup of Nations
From a footballing perspective, this Africa Cup of Nations match promises a classic clash of styles. DR Congo bring a direct, physically imposing approach, pressing aggressively and attacking with speed and power. Benin, meanwhile, tend to prioritize structure: a compact block, disciplined lines and carefully chosen moments to break forward.
For Benin, the task will be to absorb pressure without retreating too deep, protect their penalty area against aerial and set-piece threats, and use transitions to exploit any space behind the Congolese backline. DR Congo will look to assert themselves early, use their superior tournament experience and depth, and avoid the frustration that can come from facing a well-organized underdog.
Historically, the two sides have met rarely. Their most recent competitive encounters came in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where a 1–1 draw in Benin was followed by a 2–0 DR Congo home win. Those results underline how fine the margins can be between these teams, and why this Africa Cup of Nations clash feels so finely poised.
As the lights come on in Rabat and Group D gets underway, DR Congo vs Benin encapsulates what makes the Africa Cup of Nations special: history, emotion, risk and the chance for new heroes to emerge on one of football’s most passionate stages.