Senegal’s Lions Hunt Glory as Nigeria and Tunisia Eye Redemption – AFCON Matchday 3
2025 CAF AFCON Tournament in Morocco. Photo Credit- Leadership
The TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 is finally here, and Day 3 promises an electrifying start to the group stage action! With powerhouses like Senegal, Nigeria, and Tunisia taking the field alongside determined underdogs, the tournament in Morocco is set to deliver drama, goals, and plenty of talking points. From the high-stakes clash in Rabat between DR Congo and Benin to Senegal’s expected roar against Botswana, and Nigeria and Tunisia looking to assert early dominance, here’s your complete preview of the four thrilling matches on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
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DR Congo vs Benin
Group D Opener – Al Barid Stadium, Rabat (13:30 local time)
DR Congo (the Leopards) arrive as strong favorites after a solid run, including a semi-final finish at AFCON 2023 and recent World Cup qualifier success. Sébastien Desabre’s side boasts defensive solidity with Chancel Mbemba and attacking threats like Cédric Bakambu and Theo Bongonda. They’ve won their last five matches and dominate the head-to-head (W3 D1 L0 vs Benin). Benin (the Cheetahs) are in their fifth AFCON but have never progressed beyond the group stage convincingly. Gernot Rohr’s team has struggled lately, with heavy defeats and key absences, relying on Steve Mounié’s physicality.
Betting Tips: DR Congo to win, high confidence due to form and quality. Play under 2.5 goals, Don’t play both teams to score. Over 3.5 cards. Over 5.0 corners
Prediction: DR Congo 2-0 win.
Senegal vs Botswana
Group D – Grand Stade de Tanger (16:00 local time)
Senegal, 2021 champions and consistent performers, are heavy favorites with an unbeaten AFCON qualifying run and stars like Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, and Kalidou Koulibaly. They’ve won both prior meetings against Botswana (5-0 aggregate) and boast depth. Botswana (the Zebras) return after 2012, where they lost all group games. Recent form is inconsistent, with defensive issues and low scoring output.
Betting Tips: Play Senegal to win as clear favorites with superior quality. Play Senegal -1.5 handicap, expect a comfortable margin. Don’t play both teams to score. Play under 4.5 corners.
Prediction: Senegal 3-0 win.
Nigeria vs Tanzania
Group C – Complexe Sportif de Fès (18:30 local time)
Nigeria (Super Eagles) are under pressure after missing World Cup qualification but have talent in Victor Osimhen (prolific scorer) and Ademola Lookman. They’ve dominated the head-to-head (W6 D1 L1 vs Tanzania) and won recent AFCON group openers. Tanzania (Taifa Stars) are winless in nine AFCON matches and face a tough start under Miguel Gamondi.
Betting Tips: Play Nigeria to win. Under 2.5 goals. Play both teams to score Anytime goalscorer: Victor Osimhen.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 win.
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Tunisia vs Uganda
Group C – Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat (21:00 local time)
Tunisia (Eagles of Carthage), 2004 champions, qualified strongly and have a perfect record vs Uganda (W6, 16-1 aggregate). Yassine Meriah and Hannibal Mejbri provide experience. Uganda (the Cranes) return after missing recent editions but lack depth and have lost all meetings with Tunisia.
Betting Tips: Play Tunisia to win or draw, defensive solidity should prevail. Under 2.5 goals. Both teams to score. Tunisia -1.0 Asian Handicap, likely to win by at least one goal. Over 3.5 cards. Over 4.5 corners.
Prediction: Tunisia 1-0 win. Alternative prediction: 1-all draw
Conclusion
Day 3 of AFCON 2025 is packed with potential for surprises and statement performances. DR Congo and Senegal will look to stamp their authority as group favorites, while Nigeria and Tunisia aim to kickstart their campaigns with convincing wins. Expect tactical battles, moments of brilliance from the continent’s biggest stars, and the first real indications of who could go deep in this year’s tournament. Buckle up—the road to the Morocco 2025 crown begins now!
