Benin coach Gernot Rohr reacts to tough AFCON 2025 Group draw

Benin national team coach Gernot Rohr has spoken candidly about the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw, which has placed his side in Group D alongside Senegal, DR Congo, and Botswana.

Returning to the continent’s premier football competition after a six-year absence, Benin faces a challenging group.

Senegal, the reigning African champions, and DR Congo, semi-finalists at the last edition, present formidable opposition, while Botswana completes the group.

Rohr, the Franco-German tactician, acknowledged the difficulty of the task but expressed measured optimism about his team’s chances.

“We have a group as we expected, with a very high-level opponent, Senegal, then the Democratic Republic of Congo, drawn from pot 2, and finally Botswana,” Rohr said. “Our first match will be against the DRC, a solid team that we will have to prepare well.

Against Botswana, it will be imperative to take the three points with a good goal difference to hope to qualify. We also know that Senegal, despite its strength, can be in difficulty: we drew 1-1 against them in Cotonou and put in a good performance in a friendly in March 2024. They are a great team and one of the favorites of this tournament.”

Rohr’s comments underline his pragmatic approach: while recognizing the quality of his opponents, he also highlights past results that give Benin confidence.

The draw represents a significant test for a squad aiming to make an impact after a lengthy absence from the competition, and the coach is keen to instil belief that the Cheetahs can compete at the highest level.

Preparation, according to Rohr, will be key to achieving success. The group stage will demand discipline, strategy, and mental resilience, particularly against high-calibre sides such as Senegal and DR Congo.

The coach’s message to his players is clear: every match must be approached with focus, and opportunities to gain points must be seized decisively.

Beyond simply advancing from the group, Rohr is aiming for a historic milestone: Benin has yet to secure a victory in an AFCON final phase, and the 2025 edition offers a chance to change that narrative.

Each fixture represents an opportunity to write a new chapter in the nation’s football history, and Rohr is determined to ensure his team is fully prepared for the challenge.

The coach’s remarks also reflect a broader ambition to elevate Benin’s status on the continental stage. By measuring themselves against Africa’s elite teams, the Cheetahs can gain valuable experience while demonstrating their progress to supporters and competitors alike.

Rohr’s strategy combines realism with ambition, acknowledging the group’s difficulty while reinforcing the belief that positive results are attainable with disciplined preparation and cohesive team performance.

For fans, the draw promises a compelling mix of high-level competition and the chance to witness Benin striving for its first AFCON win. Rohr’s confident yet measured tone signals that the team will approach each match with focus, respect for opponents, and the drive to achieve historic success.

As the countdown to AFCON 2025 continues, all eyes will be on Benin to see whether Rohr’s approach can translate into memorable performances against some of Africa’s strongest footballing nations. The Cheetahs may have a challenging road ahead, but the coach’s words suggest they are ready to embrace it.