Yohan Roche could not hide his emotion after scoring the goal that delivered Benin’s first ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations, a moment he described as a source of deep personal pride.
The left-back struck in the 28th minute against Botswana in Rabat, turning in a pass from captain Steve Mounié with a shot that deflected beyond goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko to seal a 1-0 victory.
Beyond the historic result for Benin, Roche’s reaction showed how much it meant to him to respond after criticism from the opening defeat to DR Congo.
“It is a source of immense pride. We were aware of the people’s expectations, and we managed to stay focused to secure the win. This goal is particularly touching for me, especially after the difficulties of the first match. It was an immense joy to score the winning goal for Benin in front of my family, who are here in Morocco,” he said.
On social media, Roche added that he was “so proud to have scored this winning goal,” praising Botswana as a tough opponent and dedicating the win to a “historic first victory in the Africa Cup” that Benin now want to build on together.
