Benin Defeat Botswana 1-0 To Secure First-ever AFCON Win

Benin secured their first-ever victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Botswana 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides came into the clash on the back of prior defeats as Botswana were thrashed 3-0 by Senegal while Benin suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Democratic Republic of Congo earlier in the week in their opening games of the tournament.

Benin got off to a positive start as they found the back of the net after four minutes courtesy of a strike from Aiyegun Tosin, but the celebrations were cut short due to the flag being raised for offside.

Botswana were a little a more livelier against Benin compared to their loss to Senegal, where they failed to register a single effort on target throughout the 90 minutes, as Kabelo Seakanyeng had glimpse at goal after 20 minutes but saw his goal-bound effort blocked.

Benin went on to take the lead in the 28th minute when Steve Mounie turned provider once again to pick out Yohan Roche, who unleashed a shot that took a deflection and sailed past Goitseone Phoko.

The Zebras did go close to pulling themselves level 10 minutes before the halftime break when Mothusi Johnson tried his luck with a free-kick from distance, but the attacker’s effort crashed against the crossbar with the goalkeeper well-beaten.

Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli opted to make a triple change at the start of the second half, as Gilbert Baruti, Mothusi Cooper and Segolame Boy replaced Losika Ratshukudu, Lebogang Ditsele and Tumisang Orebonye, respectively, to freshen up the attack.

Benin continued to look more livelier as Tamimou Ourou went close to doubling the lead on 66 minutes but his low driver was brilliantly turned away by Phoko, although Mothusi Cooper nearly brought Botswana level a few minutes later with a strike from the edge of the area that sailed inches over the crossbar.

There would be no more goals in the contest as Benin managed to hold off any late push from the Zebras to secure their first AFCON win at the 16th attempt while Botswana have suffered a record straight fifth tournament loss.