AFCON 2025: Withdrawals confirmed for Andréas Hountondji and Felipe Santos

A hard blow for the Cheetahs. With only days to go before the final phase of CAN 2025, the Benin national team must contend with two major withdrawals affecting its attacking setup. Felipe Santos, recently integrated into the national squad, as well as international striker Andréas Hountondji, will miss the tournament held in Morocco. The two players, both carrying injuries, will not be able to recover in time to take part in the continental event, the national team’s media officer confirmed.

These absences are a real setback for coach Gernot Rohr, as the attacking unit had already been under scrutiny since the start of preparations. The Cheetahs will therefore have to cope without two of their most promising players.

The Benin Football Federation will unveil the final list of called-up players this Wednesday, December 10, and now faces the need to readjust its plans in an effort to remain competitive despite these significant losses.