Africa Cup of Nations 2025: DR Congo-Benin, likely lineups

Group D of the African Cup of Nations opens with the confrontation between Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin. Kickoff at 1:30 p.m. at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat. The Congolese are coming to the fixture on the strength of the excellent fourth place they won in the 2023 edition and are aiming to get off on the right foot right away and even try to raise the bar. On the other side, Benin, in its fifth participation in its history, looks like one of the outsiders in the group.

Desabre is banking on Bakambu in attack, with Elia and Mbuku completing the offensive trident. Moutoussamy in the midfield booth, while in defense Wan-Bissaka and Masuaku will act as full-backs.

Rohr responds with the same form: in attack the main reference will be Mounie, with Tosin and Aloko on his flanks. Olaitan and Imourane midfield halves’wings, while the defense will be headed by the Verdon-Tijani pair.

Probable lineups

DR Congo (4-3-3): Mpasi-Nzau; Wan-Bissaka, Tanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Elia, Bakambu, Mbuku. Coach: Desabre.

Benin (4-3-3): Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Kiki; Olaitan, Dodo, Imourane; Tosin, Mounie, Aloko. Coach: Rohr.