AFCON 2025: Government takes stock of the Guépards’ journey

Despite being eliminated in the round of 16 by Egypt, the Cheetahs leave CAN 2025 with recognized progress and the stated desire to aim higher in the future, says the Beninese government.

Eliminated in the Round of 16 of CAN 2025 after their defeat to Egypt (3-1), the Benin Cheetahs leave the competition with a feeling shared between satisfaction and ambition. During the Council of Ministers held on 21 January 2026, the government spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, gave a lucid assessment of Benin’s journey, between progress made and goals raised.

For the second time in its history, Benin has progressed beyond the group stage, a notable achievement. But appetite was greater. “As we already tasted the quarterfinal in 2019, we hoped to return there at least, or even do better“, acknowledged the spokesperson.

The elimination against Egypt is explained, according to him, by the opponent’s experience: “We faced a tougher opponent, much more experienced, superior on paper as well as on the pitch,” while recalling that “the ball is round for everyone.” And Benin did not deserve to be out, pushing the match into extra time after a late equalizer that sparked hope: “Many Beninese had secretly started dreaming of repeating the 2019 feat.”

Beyond the result, the message is clear: “We will no longer be mere spectators.” From now on, ambition is stated without hesitation. “Soon, what will excite the Beninese people will be to see our team reach the semi-finals or the final, and why not bring the trophy”, concluded Houngbédji, convinced that the groundwork will eventually bear fruit.