AFCON 2025: Andréas Hountondji’s club return sparks debate in Benin

Andréas Hountondji’s inclusion in FC St. Pauli’s starting line-up against Mainz 05 on Sunday has triggered confusion and anger in Benin, coming just days after the forward withdrew from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations through injury.

The decision by St. Pauli to name Hountondji in their starting eleven for the Bundesliga fixture immediately caused a stir among Beninese supporters.

Many were left struggling to reconcile how a player considered unfit for international duty could be deemed ready to start a top-flight match only two days before Benin’s AFCON opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The timing has amplified frustration, particularly given the difficulty of Benin’s group, which also includes reigning champions Senegal and Botswana.

For supporters already resigned to coping without one of their most influential attacking players, seeing Hountondji lead the line for his club reopened wounds that had barely begun to heal.

Hountondji had withdrawn from the national team shortly before the announcement of the provisional squad for the pre-tournament training camp, citing injury.

That decision alone raised eyebrows within Benin’s football circles, but events since then have turned quiet concern into public debate.

Even at club level, the situation appeared far from straightforward.

St. Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin openly expressed surprise at the player’s withdrawal from international duty, hinting at communication challenges between all parties involved.

“He made this decision. It surprised us, as we hadn’t included him in our plans for the two to four weeks leading up to the start of the season. Andréas contacted us and resolved the issue with the Federation,” Blessin said.

Those comments suggested a scenario marked by delicate negotiations between the player, his club and the Benin Football Federation, without offering clear answers to the wider public.

The absence of an official, detailed explanation has since allowed speculation to flourish.

In recent years, Hountondji has grown into a central figure for the Cheetahs.

His energy, attacking presence and consistency have made him one of the most relied-upon players in the squad, and his development symbolised progress within Benin’s football project.

For many supporters, his role extended beyond statistics; he represented ambition and belief on the continental stage.

As a result, his absence from the AFCON squad was already viewed as a significant setback.

The sight of him starting for St. Pauli so close to the tournament has intensified questions that remain unanswered.

Was the injury less serious than initially suggested? Did personal considerations influence the decision? Or did club priorities ultimately outweigh international commitments?

For now, no official clarification has been provided to fully address those concerns.

What is clear is that the episode has left a lingering sense of unease among fans and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the relationship between clubs, players and national teams.

As Benin prepare to begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign without one of their key attackers, the Hountondji situation continues to cast a shadow.

Far from being resolved, it has become a talking point that is likely to follow the Cheetahs throughout the tournament.