Benin vs Senegal Prediction: Lions of Teranga to roar

Benin and Senegal clash at Tangier Grand Stadium on Tuesday (19:00 GMT, 4seven) for their final Group D match at the Africa Cup of Nations. Both teams have a shot of reaching the knockout stage with Benin on three points and Senegal on four.

My Benin vs Senegal predictions can be found below, alongside the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Andres Hountondji declined Benin's call-up for Afcon due to a persistent thigh issue and his absence has been noted for the Cheetahs, but they are still in a good position to book their place in the knockout stage.

They have no fresh concerns heading into Tuesday's contest but guessing the team might be tricky. Boss Gernot Rohr made several changes in the team's last match against Botswana as Marcel Dandjinou, Olaitan Junior, Tidjani Mohamed, and Steve Mounie returned from suspension to start in that victory.

Football Odds

Ismaila Sarr will need to be monitored by Senegal as he is still struggling with an ankle injury he picked up with Crystal Palace. The attacker was an early substitution against DR Congo last time out and he could be preserved on Tuesday.

Idrissa Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr should be deployed in the middle of the park again, while Iliman Ndiaye, Sadio Mane and Nicola Jackson are expected to continue in attack.

Benin vs Senegal Odds

Benin have beaten Senegal only once in 10 previous meetings and they are 11/1 to stun the 2021 champions.

Senegal were held to a point against DR Congo and the draw here is valued at 4/1, which has an implied probability of 20%.

The Lions of Teranga are 2/7 to come out on top, having won seven of the head-to-head meetings against Benin.

Nicolas Jackson struck twice for Senegal against Botswana and he is the joint-favourite to score anytime here at 23/20.

Today's Football Fixtures

Match Result & BTTS - Senegal & Yes @ 13/5

With three teams having a shot of making the knockout stage, this last batch of fixtures from Group D should be entertaining. Botswana are already aware that they are going home so DR Congo will be expected to have no issues getting a result there, so it looks like it will come down to what happens in this match.

Benin have lost and won so far heading into this showdown, while Senegal are unbeaten. As mentioned above, the Lions of Teranga have a pretty strong record in this fixture and I do predict this to continue on Tuesday.

Boss Pape Thiaw has a lot of attacking quality at his disposal and their squad depth dwarfs that of their opponents. That being said, the Cheetahs can make sure this match lives up to the billing.

Both their games so far have been narrow 1-0 scorelines and with so much riding on their clash with Senegal, I think adding BTTS - Yes to a Senegal win may add value.

There were goals at both ends in Senegal's draw with DR Congo, while two of the previous three meetings with Benin have seen both teams get on the scoresheet.

Anytime Goalscorer - Sadio Mane @ 23/20

Logically, I did think Jackson would be the smart play for picking out a goalscorer here but I am turning to veteran Sadio Mane. He opened his account at the finals in the draw with DR Congo last time out and he has been the face of his country for several years due to his attacking contributions.

His goal in the latest match was his 10th at the Afcon finals in his 24th outing, so he has a respectable record at this level. The former Liverpool star should be full of confidence heading into this important fixture with Benin and I fancy him to have a positive impact on proceedings again.

Acca Flex

Football Accumulators (5+ legs). All markets. Min odds 1/2 per leg. 5%-100% cash bonus if all selections win. £10 max refund if 1 leg loses. Paid within 24hrs of bet settlement. No Cash Out bets. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.