“We would have deserved at least a draw,” Gernot Rohr after DR Congo 1-0 Benin
Beaten narrowly by DR Congo (1-0) in their CAN 2025 opening match, the Benin Cheetahs delivered an encouraging performance. In the post-match press conference, Benin coach Gernot Rohr praised the display, while also pointing out sporting and organizational regrets.
Le sélectionneur national du Bénin, Gernot Rohr, en conférence de presse à Cotonou ce mardi 6 juin 2023
Despite the opening defeat against the Leopards of DR Congo, Gernot Rohr did not want to give in to pessimism. The Benin national coach first highlighted the quality of football developed by his players, able to contest possession against a Congolese side that was nonetheless experienced. A promising display, all the more notable since Benin was missing several key players.
The substitutes answered the call, showing seriousness and commitment, and the Cheetahs were even very close to leveling. A source of real regret in view of the scenario. “The team played quality football; they even had more possession against a very good Congo side and almost equalized. We were missing nearly half of the starting XI, and those who replaced them performed very well. In that regard, there is satisfaction“, said Gernot in the mixed zone after the match.
“On the other hand, in terms of the result, it’s a great disappointment. I sincerely think we deserved at least a draw. The players also mention a hand in the box that should have been punished with a penalty, but that wasn’t the case“, he regretted. Beyond the pitch, the Benin coach regretted the numerous technical problems that disrupted the match, notably around VAR and the overall organization.
“I also regret the numerous technical errors and the technological problems that spoiled the match. For a major competition like the Africa Cup of Nations, it’s a shame to see so many dysfunctions, whether at the level of VAR, the sound, or the organization. I hope CAF will improve these aspects, as they undermine the quality of the game and can disrupt teams“, the 72-year-old coach concluded. A bitter observation for a competition of the magnitude of the Africa Cup of Nations. The task now is to turn these reasons for hope into results in the upcoming outings, notably against Botswana, next Saturday.