AFCON: Benin to miss five key players against DR Congo

Benin national team head coach Gernot Rohr has confirmed the absence of five key players as they prepare to face DR Congo in their opening fixture at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Tuesday.

Having missed the last two editions – 2021 and 2023, Benin will be seeking a superb display against the Leopards at Al Madina Stadium. However, they will have to achieve the success minus four players – Junior Olaitan, Steve Mounié, Andreas Hountondji, Mohamed Tijani and Marcel Dandjinou.

According to Rohr, the aforementioned will miss out owing to suspension. Discusing their absence, Rohr remained confident of achieving a good result.

DR Congo will compensate missing stars collectively

“Five players will be suspended for this match: Junior Olaitan, Steve Mounié, Andreas Hountondji, Mohamed Tijani and Marcel Dandjinou. But solidarity has always defined this group,” said Rohr as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“This is exactly when it must show itself. These are important absences, but we will compensate collectively, with commitment and fighting spirit. From what I have seen in training, the available players are ready.”

Meanwhile, DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said ahead of the opener; “I know Gernot Rohr very well; he is my senior. He tries to put the favorites’ tag on us, but we remain focused on ourselves. Regarding the squad, only Simon Banza will miss out.”

This will be the third meeting between the two sides, following their encounters in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The first leg in Benin ended 1-1, before DR Congo secured a 2-0 home victory in the return fixture.