Photo Credit: Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou
Note: This article is translated from the original French article by Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou
Benin is at a decisive turning point in its journey to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Currently second in Group D with 6 points, just behind Nigeria which has 10, the Cheetahs will face the Super Eagles this Thursday, November 14 in Abidjan, at 8 p.m. GMT, before going to Tripoli to challenge Libya on Monday, November 18. These two meetings will determine whether Benin can secure a place for the final phase of the CAN, which will be held in Morocco next year.
A big challenge against Nigeria
The first match against Nigeria promises to be particularly complicated. Benin coach Gernot Rohr does not hide the scale of the challenge: “Repeating the feat will be complicated, because Nigeria is complete now. But, we believe in it," he declared on the microphone of Benin national team media officer Hugues Zinsou Zounon. For Benin, it is revenge. During their last meeting, Nigeria won at home 3-0 on the first day of the CAN 2025 qualifiers.
But this time, Nigeria is looking for points to consolidate its status as group winners. With 10 points, they dominate Group D, while Rwanda follows Benin closely with 5 points and Libya brings up the rear with a single point.
Photo Credit: Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou
The absence of Verdon and Hountondji, a hard blow
Benin will have to do without the services of Olivier Verdon, central defender of Ludogorets and Cédric Hountondji, all of whom are out of the two decisive matches against Nigeria and Libya. Their absences constitute a major loss for Gernot Rohr and his squad, who will have to reorganize the defense in the face of Nigerian offensive power and Libya's aspirations on their own ground.
Libya, a final obstacle not to be underestimated
After Nigeria, Benin will fly to Tripoli where they face Libya. Even though the Libyans currently occupy last place in the group with just one point, this match will not be a simple formality. Playing away always adds a dimension of difficulty, and the Libyans will look to save honor in front of their home crowd by ending their qualifying campaign on a good note.
The Cheetahs of Benin in action against Rwanda
Photo Credit: Hilary Christelle Tolo Kpadonou
Objective: Qualification for the CAN
The situation is clear: to hope to qualify for CAN 2025, Benin will have to obtain positive results in these last two matches. A victory against Nigeria would allow the Cheetahs to join the Super Eagles at the top of the group, and a success against Libya would be important to consolidate their position. But with Rwanda also in the race, the math is tight, and every point counts in this final phase of the qualifiers.
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