World Cup 2026 Qualifying: Benin squad revealed

Benin national team head coach Gernot Rohr has unveiled the list of players selected for the 7th and 8th rounds of 2026 World Cup qualifying.

 

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Benin will face Zimbabwe on September 5, followed by Lesotho on September 9. Two decisive encounters in the quest for a historic qualification. With eight points on the table, the Cheetahs must secure victories to stay in the race.

The Beninese squad sees several key returns. In attack, Aiyegun Tosin (Lorient), who scored in his last Ligue 1 appearance, is back. He is joined by Andreas Hountondji, who also made a strong impact in the Bundesliga by scoring on his debut. In midfield, Rodrigue Kossi, now playing for Agadir (Morocco), rejoins the team after a long absence.

In defense, Cédric Hountondji, who missed the last two call-ups, makes his return. These reinforcements fill gaps noticed in recent matches and give Gernot Rohr more options.

Confident yet realistic, the coach stressed the importance of the upcoming fixtures: “The challenge for Benin is to win the next match. That’s our goal. We have eight points and could move to eleven. I am focused on my team. I want us to win our game and still be in a position to compete for World Cup qualification,” Rohr said at a press conference.

The full list of the Cheetahs called up:

Goalkeepers: Marcel Dandjinou, Saturnin Allagbé Kassifa, Serge Obassa.

Defenders: Cédric Hountondji, David Kiki, Rachid Moumini, Tamimou Ouorou, Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani, Olivier Verdon.

Midfielders: Mattéo Ahlinvi, Mariano Ahouangbo, Rodolfo Aloko, Samadou Attidjikou, Sessi d’Almeida, Dodo Dokou, Imourane Hassane, Rodrigue Kossi

Forwards: Jodel Dossou, Candas Fiogbé, Andreas Hountondji, Steve Mounié, Razack Rachidou, Aiyegun Tosin.