DR Congo vs Benin Preview: Team News & Prediction

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The Democratic Republic of Congo have some distractions down the line as they now take on Benin to kick off their CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports

How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo

DR Congo preview: Impressive DR Congo

With an impressive squad that has been improving in the last couple of years, the Democratic Republic of Congo will believe they can go deep into this competition after an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.

They head into the intercontinental playoffs, which take place in March, expecting to qualify for the 48-team tournament in North America after defeats of Cameroon and Nigeria in the African playoffs last month.

Benin preview: Frustrated Benin

Benin have themselves also been improving of late and they really should have confirmed top spot in their qualifying group for the FIFA World Cup, before defeats in their last two matches knocked them off top spot.

The last 18 months or so, though, should give them hope that they can perform well in Morocco over the next few weeks. This is their fifth appearance at an AFCON, with all five of those coming in the last 21 years.

DR Congo team news: Plenty of attacking options

Sebastian Desabre’s exciting 26-man squad boasts a lot of depth in the final third, especially with the likes of Cedric Bakambu, Theo Bongonda, Samuel Essende and Simon Banza.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Bongonda, Bakambu, Elia

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

Benin team news: Attacking Benin

Former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr has a limited side, especially defensively, and so that has led to them naturally playing a bit more on the front foot.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Allagbe; Roche, Tijani, Verdon, Kiki; Dossou, D’Almeida, Olaitan; Tosin, Mounie, Hountondji

Unavailable: 

Questionable: 

DR Congo vs Benin prediction

In the last 18 months or so, DR Congo appear to be a side that have transitioned away from being a so-called ‘also ran’ and a side that have flattered to deceive into a team that can challenge at the top end of African football. They face a Benin side that have also shown major signs of improvement, especially in attack, but the Democratic Republic of Congo do have to remain favourites for this one.

DR Congo vs Benin tip: DR Congo to win