Congo DR vs Benin, Africa Cup of Nations, 2025-26, Today Match Prediction

Congo DR vs Benin Match Prediction & Analysis

Group D gets underway on Tuesday as DR Congo face Benin at Stade El Barid in Rabat at 6 PM IST. It marks their first-ever AFCON meeting, though the sides have crossed paths before elsewhere. 

They arrive in contrasting form too—former champions DR Congo impressed with a 2–0 friendly win over Zambia, while Benin come in after a humbling 3–0 defeat to Burkina Faso.

Head-to-head Record: Overall, in their tow recorded meetings across all competitions, DR Congo leads the head-to-head with one win and one draw 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Congo DR Preview

Two-time AFCON champions and ranked 56th in the world, DR Congo arrive under Sébastien Desabre as strong contenders for second place in Group D and capable of pushing favourites Senegal, as shown in World Cup qualifying. In the meantime, the Les Léopards their buoyed by their World Cup push after reaching the intercontinental playoffs via a dramatic penalty win over Nigeria in African qualifiers

In contrast, their AFCON qualification was secured early with four straight wins and just three goals conceded. A semi-final run in the last edition reinforces their dark-horse tag, even if the absence of Yoane Wissa through fitness issues is a setback.

Key Players 

DR Congo may lack cutting edge in attack, but they make up for it with a wealth of defensive experience capable of stifling any opponent. Their defensive core is built around captain Chancel Mbemba, who anchors a backline reinforced by the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.

DR Congo Probable Starting Lineup - M'Pasi (GK) ; Masuaku, Axel Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bisaaka, Moutoussamy, Meschack Elia, Noah Sadiki,  Mukau, Mbuku, Cedric Bakambu. 

Benin Preview

Benin, fondly known as Les Guepards, return to AFCON for their fifth appearance and first since 2019, which also marked their best-ever showing with a run to the quarter-finals. Coached by Gernot Rohr, their path to this tournament was far from smooth, qualifying as runners-up behind Nigeria and edging Rwanda on goal difference. 

Unfortunately, lady luck deserted them in the World Cup qualifiers. They suffered similar heartbreak in World Cup qualifiers as they fell short behind Nigeria on goal difference, and now arrive with a point to prove. Drawing on memories of their giant-killing run in 2019, when they stunned Morocco on penalties in the round of 16, Benin will hope to spring another surprise on Africa’s heavyweights

Key Player

Former Huddersfield Town striker Steve Mounié is Benin’s main man, now plying his trade in Turkey after playing a pivotal role in their memorable 2019 AFCON quarter-final run. Against stronger opposition, his physical presence and aerial ability will be crucial. 

Benin Probable Starting Lineup - Marcel Dandjinou (GK) ;  Rachid Moumini, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, David Kiki, Sessi d'Almeida, Dodo, Imourane Hassane, Jodel Dossou, Steve Mounié, Tosin. 

CONGO DR vs BENIN
Winning Prediction

With little history between the sides, past records offer limited insight. On paper, however, DR Congo appear the stronger outfit, boasting a world-class defensive core complemented by enough quality going forward. That edge makes them our pick to claim all three points—a view echoed by the bookmakers, who favour Congo at 1.70, with Benin priced at 6.40 and the draw at 3.55. 

DR Congo to win (2-0)

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