Benin captain Steve Mounié recovers from injury ahead of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Benin have been handed a massive squad boost ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next month.

Captain of the national team, Steve Mounié and Rodolfo Aloko, who have been sidelined for several weeks due to injuries, have both recovered in time and should be included in the squad for the tournament.

The two players of the Cheetahs featured for their respective clubs abroad over the weekend.

Aloko, who had been out for more than two months following an injury sustained on September 9 during Benin’s 4-0 win over Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, featured in NK Kustošija Zagreb’s 4-1 victory over Uljanik on November 22. The striker completed the entire second half, signalling a positive return to full fitness.

Mounié, who had been sidelined since October 14 due to a knee injury picked up in the match against Rwanda, also made his comeback.

The Alanyaspor forward returned to the pitch on November 23 during the 13th round of the Trendyol Süper Lig, coming on in the 75th minute to replace Meschac Elia, although Alanyaspor suffered a 2-1 defeat to Kasimpasa.

Their returns arrive at a crucial moment as Benin enter the final stages of preparation for the 2025 AFCON, scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.