D.R. Congo vs Benin Prediction & Betting Tips (23 December)

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations clash between DR Congo and Benin promises to be a fascinating encounter, not only because of the stakes involved but also due to the recent developments surrounding both teams. DR Congo has been in the headlines after the Court of Arbitration for Sport raised concerns about their participation in future tournaments, though they remain qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco. In addition, the Leopards unveiled their 26-man squad earlier this month, featuring Premier League star Yoane Wissa and other key figures. Benin, meanwhile, confirmed their final squad after some delays, with experienced defenders like Olivier Verdon and David Kiki expected to anchor their backline. Injuries have disrupted their preparations, with Felipe Santos and Andréas Hountondji ruled out, but the return of captain Steve Mounié from injury has boosted morale.

Looking at recent matches, DR Congo has shown resilience and consistency. They defeated Zambia 2-0 in a friendly on December 16, following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in November after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Earlier in November, they edged Cameroon 1-0 in Rabat, showcasing their ability to grind out results against strong opposition. Their qualification campaign also included narrow wins against Sudan and Togo, both by 1-0 margins, highlighting their defensive solidity and knack for decisive goals. Despite a setback against Senegal in September, the Leopards have built momentum heading into AFCON, with a string of results that underline their ability to perform under pressure.

Benin’s recent form has been more mixed, reflecting both promise and vulnerability. They suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in November, which prompted coach Gernot Rohr to demand higher standards from his squad. Just a month earlier, they endured a 4-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo, exposing defensive frailties. However, the Cheetahs also recorded encouraging wins, including a 1-0 victory over Rwanda and a commanding 4-0 triumph against Lesotho in Abidjan. Their qualification campaign was sealed with a crucial draw against Libya, ensuring their place in Morocco. While inconsistency remains a concern, the squad has shown flashes of attacking potency and defensive resilience, particularly when facing mid-tier opponents.

With both teams preparing for their December 23 showdown, the narrative is set for a tense and tactical battle. DR Congo’s recent run of narrow victories suggests they will rely on discipline and opportunism, while Benin’s struggles against stronger sides may leave them vulnerable to a well-organized opponent. The Leopards’ ability to edge out results in tight contests, combined with Benin’s defensive lapses in recent friendlies, points toward a low-scoring affair. Taking all factors into account, the most realistic prediction is a 1:0 scoreline in favor of DR Congo, reflecting their current momentum and capacity to deliver decisive goals when it matters most.