Senegal vs Botswana: Lineups, Prediction, Odds & 4/1 Betting Tip

Senegal, face Botswana on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, at the Grand Stade de Tanger stadium with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Senegal vs Botswana Head to Head

The last time these two teams met, Senegal triumphed 3-0 at home in an Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match back in November 2014.

In the two previous meetings between the sides, Senegal have won both.

Senegal vs Botswana Predicted Lineups

Senegal (4-2-3-1): Diaw; Diouf, Niakhaté, Koulibaly, Diatta; Gueye, Gueye; Mané, Sarr, Ndiaye; Jackson

Botswana (4-3-3): Kgosipula; Johnson, Leinanyane, Gaolaolwe, Velaphi; Seakanyeng, Mohutsiwa, Ditsele; Orebonye, Sesinyi, Boy

Senegal vs Botswana Team News

Senegal are expected to stick with their familiar 4-2-3-1, prioritising control and quick attacking transitions. Mory Diaw should start in goal behind a defence led by Kalidou Koulibaly alongside Moussa Niakhaté, with Krépin Diatta and El Hadji Malick Diouf offering energy from full-back. In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Alassane Gueye provide experience and protection, allowing a fluid attacking trio of Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaïla Sarr and Sadio Mané to operate behind Nicolas Jackson, whose movement is key to stretching Botswana’s back line.

Botswana are likely to take a cautious approach in a 4-3-3 that drops into a compact 4-5-1 without the ball. Keoagile Kgosipula should start in goal behind a conservative back four led by captain Mosha Gaolaolwe. Midfielders Gape Mohutsiwa and Lebogang Ditsile will focus on screening the defence and breaking up play, with creativity limited by design. Going forward, Tumisang Orebonye is expected to lead the line, offering a physical outlet and posing a threat mainly on the counter-attack.

Senegal vs Botswana Match Prediction

Senegal open their AFCON 2025 Group D campaign in Tangier as clear favourites, even if they arrive at a transitional moment. While stalwarts Kalidou Koulibaly and Sadio Mané remain key figures, a new attacking core led by Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye is taking centre stage. Under Pape Thiaw, Senegal have lost just once in 14 matches, qualified comfortably for the 2026 World Cup and recently impressed with a 3–1 win over England, underlining expectations of another deep run.

Botswana arrive as genuine outsiders, making only their second AFCON appearance and first since 2012. Their qualification campaign was built on organisation and resilience rather than star quality, and that same approach is likely here. With little pressure and a disciplined game plan, the Zebras will aim to frustrate early, keep the scoreline respectable, and look for rare moments on the counter against one of Africa’s heavyweights.

Score Prediction: Senegal 3-0 Botswana

Who is favourite to win in Senegal vs Botswana?

Senegal are 2/11 favourites to open their African Cup of Nations campaign with a victory. The draw is a best price of 6/1, whilst Botswana are 18/1 underdogs on Tuesday.

Last updated on 23/12/2025 at 09:30.

Senegal vs Botswana Betting Tip

Our bet builder tip for Senegal vs Botswana features Sadio Mane to Score Anytime, Over 2.5 Goals, & Ilman Ndiaye to Assist.

At the time of publishing it is a best price of 21/4 with Coral.

CLICK HERE TO ADD TO BETSLIP.

Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builders with our exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.