AFCON 2025: Senegal overpower Benin to secure Group D top spot

Senegal produced a commanding performance to defeat Benin 3-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations Group D clash at the Tangier Grand Stadium on Tuesday night, sealing first place in the group and underlining their credentials as tournament contenders.

Goals from Abdoulaye Seck, Habib Diallo, and substitute Cherif Ndiaye ensured the Teranga Lions advanced with confidence, though the victory was tempered by the dismissal of captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who will miss their round of 16 tie against either Burkina Faso or Sudan on Saturday, 3 January.

Benin, meanwhile, finished third in the group behind Senegal and DR Congo, who thrashed Botswana in the concurrent fixture, and will face Egypt in Agadir on Monday, 5 January.

First Half: Seck breaks the deadlock

The opening exchanges were cagey, with both sides restricted to speculative efforts. Mohamed Tijani tested Edouard Mendy from distance, while Krepin Diatta’s strike forced a save at the other end.

Senegal began to assert control after the half-hour mark, and their pressure told in the 38th minute. Seck rose to meet Diatta’s free kick and directed the ball into the top corner. VAR reviewed the goal for a possible handball, but the decision stood, giving Senegal a deserved lead.

Benin nearly equalised on the stroke of half-time when Steve Mounie found space in the box, but Mendy smothered his effort to preserve Senegal’s advantage.

Second Half: Diallo and Ndiaye seal the win

Senegal doubled their lead in the 63rd minute. Sadio Mané, lively throughout, drove down the left and delivered a precise cut-back for Diallo, who swept home with composure.

The champions of 2021 were dealt a setback nine minutes later when Koulibaly was shown a straight red card after VAR confirmed a studs-up challenge on Aiyegun Tosin.

Benin pressed forward in search of a lifeline, but Mendy produced a superb save from Junior Olaitan’s free kick, while other chances went begging.

In stoppage time, Senegal were awarded a penalty, and Ndiaye stepped up to convert confidently, completing a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

Final Score

Benin 0 – Senegal 3
(Seck 38’, Diallo 63’, Ndiaye 90+7’ pen)

Line-ups

Benin: M. Dandjinou; T. Ourou (R. Moumini 85’), O. Verdon, M. Tijani, Y. Roche; D. Dodo (R. Aloko 46’), A. Samadou, H. Imourane; A. Tosin (G. Ahoudo 85’), S. Mounie, J. Olaitan (R. Amoussou 85’).

Senegal: E. Mendy; K. Diatta, A. Seck, K. Koulibaly, M. Diouf; P. Sarr (P. Ciss 81’), I. Gueye, L. Camara (H. Diarra 46’); I. Ndiaye (I. Mbaye 46’), H. Diallo (M. Sarr 76’), S. Mané (C. Ndiaye 88’).