AFCON: Benin confirms final squad after delay

After an announcement delay, Benin national team coach Gernot Rohr’s final list of players was released on Friday for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Cheetahs will arrive in Morocco with many of their experienced stars, especially in the defense. Mohamed Tijani and Olivier Verdon are set to be the central defensive partnership with veterans David Kiki and Yohan Roche also offering experience.

South Africa-based goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou is the likely starter but long-time former number one Saturnin Allagbe, currently in the fourth tier of French football, is in the squad as capable cover.

Injuries are a major issue for coach Rohr. Andreas Hountondji is not included due to injury and Brazilian attacker Felipe Santos, who acquired Beninese nationality for the upcoming tournament, did not make the final squad due to injury. Star striker Steve Mounié is included as he attempts to fight off his own fitness concerns.

In the midfield, Portugal-based Dodo Dokou is the star with long-time squad members Sessi D’Almeida and Jodel Dossou included. Dokou and Hassane Imourane of Swiss club Grasshoppers are the young talents to watch in central midfield. Dossou, now based in the fifth tier of French football, is a set piece specialist and his prior exploits with the Cheetahs is valuable enough for his inclusion.

Turkish-based Junior Olaitan is an attacking midfielder known for his unpredictability and ability to produce spectacular moments on the wings in support of the attack. In support of talismanic striker Mounié is FC Lorient forward Tosin Aiyegun and Swedish-born striker Adam Akimey (Helsingborg), who has yet to make his debut for the Cheetahs.

Benin will be in Group D, where they will face Botswana, DR Congo and group favorites Senegal. The Cheetahs begin play on December 23 against DR Congo in the Moroccan capital of Rabat.