Congo DR vs Benin Prediction: Leopards to edge Group D opener

Congo DR and Benin will open their respective Africa Cup of Nations campaigns in Group D when the sides meet on Tuesday afternoon (12:30 GMT, live on 4seven) at Al Madina Stadium.

The Leopards reached the semi-finals of this tournament two years ago, while the Cheetahs have only managed to progress from the group stage once in their previous four appearances at the tournament. Read on for my Congo DR and Benin predictions, along with the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

The absence of Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa is undoubtedly the biggest talking point for Congo DR as the 29-year-old has only just returned from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined from September.

Mario Stroeykens has withdrawn from the Congo squad due to injury while Chancel Mbemba is expected to captain the side from the heart of defence, alongside Premier League compatriots Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Arthur Masuaku.

As for Benin, they have no fresh injury concerns to report heading into the tournament. 

Steve Mounie is expected to be given the nod up top for the Cheetahs, and he's two goals shy of becoming his country's all-time leading goalscorer.

Congo DR vs Benin Odds

Congo DR are favoured for this Group D opener at 4/6, giving them an implied win probability of 60%, with the draw available at 5/2 and it's 9/2 for a Benin win.

Both teams to score - yes is currently priced at 6/5, while Congo are 5/4 to win to nil.

Congo DR to win to nil @ 5/4

Congo are undefeated against Benin, having crossed paths two times previously before Tuesday's encounter (W1 D1).

The Leopards made the semi-finals two years ago, and with further group fixtures against Senegal and Botswana to come, Sebastien Desabre's men will know how important it is to get off to a good start here.

Wissa will be a huge miss up top for Congo, but I don't think they'll feel his absence here against a side that have won just three of their last 13 outings. The Leopards have won four of their last five matches to nil, and with proven Premier League experience at the back in Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe and Masuaku, they'll be difficult to break down.

Under 1.5 total goals @ 7/4

Following on from my first tip, Congo look a solid defensive unit, but they've only scored more than one goal once in their last five matches.

With Wissa absent, it's hard to see where the goals will come from for the Leopards, and Benin have mustered just one strike in their last three games, blanking in two of those.

A low-scoring game looks to be on the cards here at 7/4.

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