What can Benin hope for at AFCON 2025?
In Cotonou, in cafés as well as in hair salons, the same question keeps coming up: what can Benin hope for at AFCON 2025?
Les Guépards du Bénin@bwtv
Qualified for the fifth time in its history, Benin begins AFCON 2025 this Tuesday with a clash against DR Congo. With 24 hours to kickoff, enthusiasm is palpable. After a few roller-coaster years on the continental stage, the Cheetahs are back in the competition. The draw is no easy one: Senegal, DR Congo and Botswana will make up Group D.
A major challenge, certainly, but Benin has already shown — notably in 2019 — that it can upset the odds when the stakes are high. In recent international campaigns, coach Gernot Rohr’s men have shown notable progress, displaying greater discipline and stability in their performances. Enough to feed some optimism ahead of AFCON 2025.
Three reasons to believe in a strong run
1. Renewed motivation
Long absent from the continental scene, the Cheetahs approach this AFCON with the aim of confirming the progress made in recent years.
2. A clear playing identity
Compact defensive block, quick transitions, constant fighting spirit: Benin knows how to exploit the smallest space left by opponents.
3. Experienced leaders
Mounié, Dossou, Ahlinvi… These players know the demands of big occasions and know how to handle pressure.
In a group where Senegal is the clear favorite, Benin is no mere bystander. The team has the means to shake up the hierarchy and aim for a spot in the round of 16.