Defeat to Burkina Faso is a wakeup call – Benin coach Gernot Rohr

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has expressed his displeasure following his outfit defeat to Burkina Faso in an international friendly.

The Squirrels succumbed to a 3-0 loss to the Stallions of Burkina Faso on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

The match forms part of their preparation for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of nations, to be staged in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026.

Benin are pitted in Group D alongside Botswana, DR Congo and powerhouse, Senegal at the continental showpiece in the North African country.

And according to Gernot Rohr, the setback against Burkina Faso is a strong signal for the teams preparation for the tournament.

“This is a result that should wake the players up. We’re seeing the same mistakes again, especially on the wings. We’ll have to work hard because we’ll be facing this type of team: fast, incisive, and difficult to beat,” he emphasized.

The Squirrels of Benin will open their AFCON account against DR Congo on December 23, 2025.