Botswana vs Congo DR Prediction: Record-chasing Bakambu can ignite dead rubber

| Tuesday 30th December 2025, 7:45am

Tuesday 30th December 2025, 7:45am

Botswana play for pride this Tuesday, December 30 (19:00 GMT, Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel) as they take on Congo DR. Two losses mean that Morena Ramoreboli’s side already have their tickets home booked.

Meanwhile, Congo are already through to the last 16 by virtue of a victory and a draw from their opening two games. A chance to rest players or a push to maintain momentum? Find out in our Botswana vs DR Congo predictions, complete with team news and betting odds.

Botswana vs Congo DR Betting Tips

Congo DR to win and under 2.5 goals @ 13/8
Cedric Bakambu anytime goalscorer @ 21/20

*Odds correct as of the time of publication

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Team News

There are no major injury concerns for Botswana, which could mean one of two things. Either fielding an unchanged XI and trying to prevent leaving winless with your strongest side out. Conversely, we could see some of the players yet to feature given some Afcon experience.

Mochudi Centre Chiefs defender Shanganani Nganda, full back Chicco Molefe of Jwaneng Galaxy FC and Masitaoka forward Monty Enosa are among that latter group. Giving squad players major tournament experience would be a forward-thinking move that could appeal to Ramoreboli.

Congo may choose not to risk Arthur Masuaku, the Sunderland left back. He was hooked in the 1-1 draw with Senegal with an ankle issue. Nervous Black Cats fans may wish to see their man rested for this dead rubber tie.

Botswana vs Congo DR Predicted Lineups

Botswana: Phoko; Velaphi, Gaolaolwe, Ditlhokwe, Johnson; Ditsele, Mohutsiwa; Ratshukudu, Orebonye, Seakanyeng; Kebatho
Congo DR: M'Pasi; Kayembe, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Elia, Bongonda, Bakambu

Botswana vs Congo DR Odds

Botswana are a 14/1 long-shot to record their only win of the tournament here. Congo are big favourites at 2/9 while you can get 9/2 on the draw.

Among our Price Boosts is Botswana to win either half, which is 9/2.

Botswana vs Congo DR Stats

Real Betis marksman Cedric Bakambu is just one goal short of equalling Congo’s all-time scoring record. The current record is 22, held by former Norwich City forward Dieumerci Mbokani.
Botswana are without a win in their last eight games. That slump stretches back to March, when they beat Somalia 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

Today's Football Fixtures

Congo DR to win and under 2.5 goals @ 13/8

Even allowing for a lack of urgency due to already having qualified for the knockouts, Congo should win this without breaking too much of a sweat. For Botswana, just being at the finals is an achievement in itself. They will work hard, but there is far too much quality in the Congo side.

Putting aside players already mentioned, The Skyblue can call upon a wealth of experience. West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, his former Manchester United colleague Axel Tuanzebe of Burnley and former Chelsea loan army member Gael Kakuta are among a well-equipped squad.

The reason I have gone under the 2.5 goal mark is largely because Botswana are playing for pride while Congo are doing so out of obligation. I feel like the underdogs will throw everything at avoiding an embarrassment, likely setting up defensively to try and frustrate their more illustrious competition.

Meanwhile, the Congolese ranks will likely look to do just enough, knowing a round of 16 tie awaits just round the corner.

Botswana vs Congo DR - Match Result And Total Goals Over/Under 2.5

Congo DR Win & Under 2.5 Goals

13/8

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

Football Odds

Cedric Bakambu anytime goalscorer @ 21/20

This will be a popular one. Who doesn’t love seeing a player make history? With Mbokani just one goal ahead of Bakambu on 22 international goals, you better believe the Betis striker will be going all out for the record.

Bakambu has found success at some of Europe’s most storied clubs, including prolific spells at Villarreal and Olympiacos. At the age of 34, time is ticking down for the striker to make history for his country. You can bet Bakambu will not let this opportunity slip from his grasp.

Botswana V Congo DR - Anytime Goal Scorer

Bakambu, Cedric

21/20

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

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