A night the Squirrels will never forget — Benin break AFCON curse with historic win in Morocco

27.12.25 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Benin

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Botswana

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Benin wrote historic chapter in their football history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco claiming their first ever win in the tournament after edging Botswana 1 -0 on Saturday.

The decisive moment came in the 28 minute when Yohan Roche unleashed powerful effort that deflected off Botswana defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe before finding the back of the net sealing landmark victory for the West African side.

A Long-Overdue breakthrough for Benin

The win was significant on multiple levels. Not only did it deliver Benin’s first three points of the current AFCON campaign but it also marked their first victory in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Opta.. this success arrived in Benin’s 16th AFCON match after failing to win any of their previous 15 outings (five draw & ten defeat). Until now , a tournament victory had always eluded them.

Group D Situation after Matchday 2

• Benin: 3 points
• Botswana: 0 points (bottom of the group)

Botswana remain without a point after two match while Benin revive their qualification hopes with this breakthrough result.

From opening defeat to historic win

Benin had started their AFCON 2025 campaign with narrow 1-0 defeat to DR Congo in the opening round making Saturday’s triumph emphatic response under pressure.

The result keeps their hopes alive heading into daunting final group match against Senegal, scheduled for Tuesday where Benin will aim to build on this historic momentum.

History made in Morocco

“Benin have won their first game ever at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations failing to win any of their first 15 (D5 L10). History.” — Opta

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Benin

Botswana

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations