AFCON 2025 – Benin vs Botswana: Gernot Rohr optimistic but cautious
Gernot Rohr held a press conference on Friday on the eve of the match against Botswana in the second day of Group D at CAN 2025. And the Benin coach is counting on the return of Steve Mounié and Junior Olaitan to secure the three points in the victory over the Zebras.
Le sélectionneur national du Bénin, Gernot Rohr, en conférence de presse à Cotonou ce mardi 6 juin 2023
On Saturday, Benin will play its second match at CAN 2025. The Cheetahs face Botswana as part of the second day of Group D. In a press conference on Friday, head coach Gernot Rohr delivered a message mixing measured confidence and vigilance, aware of the importance of the showdown against the Zebras.
The Benin coach is first pleased to be able to count on a full squad. With suspensions served, several key players return, including the captain and the number-one goalkeeper. A major boost for a match that Rohr regards as pivotal in the qualification race, ahead of the anticipated showdown against Senegal.
“We will approach this match with a lot of determination. We have no injuries at the moment, so I will be able to pick the team taking into account that everyone has served their suspension”, he told the press. But there’s no question of taking the opponent lightly. Despite its heavy opening defeat, Botswana is described as an intense, athletic and disciplined team capable of posing serious problems. The 72-year-old coach insists on the need to stay lucid and focused against an aggressive and hardworking unit.
“What do we know about Botswana? It’s a good team that beat Cape Verde twice. They have players who run a lot, press a lot, and two players even play in Morocco in big clubs”, noted Gernot Rohr. Marked by the frustration of the first match against DR Congo, the German coach is expecting a reaction from his players, not in anger, but in efficiency. Work has especially intensified on finishing and adapting to playing conditions.