World Cup (Q): Gernot Rohr remains cautious despite Benin’s Group C lead

With a decisive trip to Rwanda just a week away, Benin head coach Gernot Rohr held his traditional press conference on Friday ahead of important World Cup qualifying matches. Although the Cheetahs currently top Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—thanks to the sanction imposed on South Africa—the Franco-German tactician remains cautious.

A Promising but Fragile Position

“We were a bit lucky with South Africa’s sanction, but there are still two very difficult matches to play,” Rohr warned. Benin currently sit on 14 points, ahead of Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. It’s a flattering position, but the coach reminded that qualification will be decided in Kigali against the Amavubi, and then in Uyo against the Super Eagles.

Rohr emphasized the competitiveness of Group C, which includes two teams that featured in the last AFCON. “Everything is still possible, even for Rwanda. That shows how crucial next Friday’s match will be,” he added.

A Squad Hit by Absences

For this decisive double-header, Rohr named a 25-man squad marked by several absences:

Rodolphe Aloko, sidelined after knee surgery,

Moumini Rachid, recovering from an ankle injury.

On the other hand, Olatunji Tessi Libi received his first national team call-up after an impressive start to the season in Sweden with Helsingborg. Romaric Amoussou and Rodrigue Fassinou also return to the squad—proof that according to Rohr, “no player is ever permanently excluded from the national team.”

Discipline and Fitness Under Watch

Rohr also stressed the importance of discipline. Nine players are one yellow card away from suspension. “We haven’t had any suspensions so far thanks to their discipline. But if someone gets booked for dissent, he’ll be fined,” the coach warned.

On fitness, close monitoring is being done in coordination with clubs. This includes Tosin Aiyegun (Lorient), who is currently limited to 60 minutes of play per match.

Organizational Improvements

After repeatedly criticizing the team’s travel conditions, Rohr welcomed the recent efforts by the ministry. Charter flights will now be arranged, particularly between Kigali and Uyo, to avoid exhausting journeys. “It’s an important improvement, even though I wish it had come earlier,” he noted.

Humility and Ambition

While pleased to see his team on top, Rohr remains realistic: “We must stay humble. Being first today doesn’t mean we’re qualified. We need to stay united and focused.”

Still, he believes in his team’s chances: “Nigeria have world-class stars—we don’t. But a united and determined team can achieve anything.”

The Cheetahs of Benin will therefore play for their future in just one week, chasing a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.