The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 continues to deliver drama, and Group D is heading toward a thrilling finale. On Tuesday evening, DR Congo face Botswana in the third and final round of the group stage, in a match that could reshape the qualification picture. With the tournament taking place in Morocco until January 18, every minute now carries knockout-stage consequences.

AFCON 2025 Group D: Why DR Congo vs Botswana Matters

This clash is not just another fixture—it’s a qualification decider. DR Congo enter the match knowing that victory is the only safe route to confirm their place in the next round. With four points, level with Senegal, the Leopards remain firmly in control of their destiny after drawing with Senegal in Round 2 and winning their opening match.

But can they afford any slip-ups? Absolutely not. In a group where margins are razor-thin, one mistake could undo two rounds of hard work.

DR Congo’s Mission: Secure Qualification and Aim Higher

DR Congo are widely seen as Senegal’s strongest rivals in Group D, a rivalry that mirrors their recent battles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Senegal edged them by just two points.

Fresh from securing a World Cup 2026 playoff spot after defeating Nigeria, DR Congo arrive with confidence and ambition. Their goal goes beyond qualification—they are determined to improve on their fourth-place finish from the last AFCON edition in Ivory Coast and make a deeper run this time.

Botswana’s Dream: Can the Underdogs Change the Script?

On the opposite side, Botswana step onto the pitch with nothing to lose and everything to gain. While they sit at the bottom of the group with zero points, their hopes are not mathematically over.

A surprise victory against DR Congo could turn expectations upside down, potentially opening a path toward the Round of 16. It’s a classic AFCON scenario: a favorite under pressure versus an outsider chasing a miracle.

Group D Standings Before the Final Round

Before the last round of matches, the standings look like this:

With Senegal facing Benin at the same time, Group D remains wide open, adding extra tension to every goal scored.

Match Date and Kick-off Time: Botswana vs DR Congo AFCON 2025

The Botswana vs DR Congo match will be played on:

Both Group D matches kick off simultaneously to ensure fairness in the final qualification race.

TV Channels Broadcasting Botswana vs DR Congo Live

Fans can watch the match live on the following channels:

As DR Congo chase confirmation and Botswana chase belief, this match promises intensity, tension, and AFCON unpredictability. One team seeks stability, the other dreams of an upset—but only the pitch will deliver the final answer.

When the final whistle blows, Group D will have no more questions—only qualified teams and shattered hopes.