Aliou Cisse warns Senegal’s AFCON 2025 opponents after draw
Former Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has cautioned the opponents of the Lions of Teranga in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
Senegal finds itself in a competitive group alongside DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Determined to reassert their dominance, the Lions are eager to move past their disappointing early exit in 2023.
“A difficult group, since two of these teams, we know them. For a long time, we have been playing against them,” said Cissé, who guided Senegal to their first AFCON title in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2021.
“The advantage is that we know them, and the disadvantage is that they know us too. But I have no doubt that Senegal can get through.”
One of the most anticipated group-stage fixtures is the clash between Senegal and DR Congo, a rivalry that extends beyond AFCON, as both teams prepare to face off in a World Cup qualifier later.
“This match will be explosive,” said Cissé, who was one of the draw assistants.
“The Lions of Teranga have experience and depth, but the Leopards bring youthful energy and technique. This duel promises to be closely contested and could well be decided by very little.”
Senegal’s defence, led by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, will have to contend with the attacking threat of DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa. Meanwhile, Benin is aiming for World Cup qualification, and Botswana is making its second-ever AFCON appearance after debuting in 2012.
Following their round-of-16 elimination by Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, Senegal heads into this tournament with a fresh mindset under new coach Pape Thiaw.
“The last tournament was a learning experience,” said Cissé. “Now it’s about building on that and using our experience to regain the trophy.”
The draw in Rabat presented challenges for several top teams.
Reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire face a tough Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique, while hosts Morocco will compete in Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
Group B will see Egypt rekindle its rivalry with South Africa, joined by Angola and Zimbabwe, while Algeria headlines Group E with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six Moroccan cities.
The 24-team competition consists of six groups, with the top two teams and four best third-placed sides progressing to the knockout rounds.