Benin Republic beat Botswana to secure first-ever AFCON win
The Republic of Benin recorded their first-ever victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Yohan Roche’s deflected first-half effort earned them a 1–0 win over Botswana and their first points of the 2025 tournament in Rabat on Saturday.
Roche combined neatly with returning striker Steve Mounie, who had missed Benin’s opening loss to DR Congo, before lifting a finish from inside the penalty area over goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko. The goal secured Benin’s maiden AFCON victory in normal time in their 16th appearance at the tournament, spanning five editions.
Botswana fell to a second successive group-stage defeat but came close to equalising when Mothusi Johnson curled a well-taken free-kick against the crossbar shortly after Roche’s goal.
Phoko produced two notable saves in the second half, pushing away Tamimou Ouorou’s effort and reacting sharply to deny the right-back again after his shot deflected off Johnson.
Both sides will conclude their Group D fixtures on Tuesday (19:00 GMT), with Benin facing Senegal in Tangier and Botswana taking on DR Congo in Rabat.
Senegal and DR Congo, who both have three points, are scheduled to meet later on Saturday in Tangier in their second group match.
