CAN 2025: Olivier Verdon’s regrets and unfulfilled ambitions

Olivier Verdon also reacted to Benin’s early elimination from the CAN 2025, ousted in the round of 16 after their defeat to Egypt (1-3). The Guépards’ defender highlighted an honorable but frustrating campaign, marked by decisive details and the unwavering support of Benin’s supporters.

Eliminated in the round of 16 of the CAN 2025, the Guépards of Benin leave Morocco with a sense of unfinished business. After the match, Olivier Verdon delivered a frank and measured analysis of a campaign that had left room for higher hopes.

Solid for a large part of the match, the Benin squad held out for a long time in a confrontation that was as physically demanding as it was tactically. But, as often at this level, everything came down to details. A slight lapse, a drop in intensity, and the opponent knew how to take advantage. “We held on until the end, or almost, but at this level, the slightest mistake costs you dearly”, summarized the defender in remarks relayed by Megasports, aware of the limits shown in the final minutes.

The disappointment is all the stronger as the ambitions were high. Bolstered by their qualities and their progression in recent years, the Guépards hoped to take a step forward and go further in the competition. “The group really believed in it”, Verdon acknowledged, describing a locker room that was affected but lucid after the elimination.

The assessment of this CAN remains thus contrasted. While the minimum objective of getting out of the group stage was achieved, Benin had hoped to do better than in the 2019 edition. A mixed feeling, therefore, between pride in the progress made and frustration at not having written a more memorable page.

Finally, Olivier Verdon wished to salute the unwavering support of the Beninese supporters. Present, noisy and loyal, they accompanied the team throughout the journey. A “twelfth man” to whom the Guépards would have liked to offer an additional qualification. But football, sometimes cruel, decided otherwise.