Benin Coach Gernot Rohr explains March friendlies against Guinea and Palestine

Benin’s national football team will face Guinea and Palestine in friendly matches this March, as coach Gernot Rohr explained the rationale behind the selections.

Rohr, who manages the Cheetahs, acknowledged the constraints smaller footballing nations face when arranging international friendlies.

“We can’t always choose our opponents, because we’re not a major footballing nation that can afford that luxury. We choose from the offers we receive,” he said.

The match against Guinea is designed to challenge Benin against a high-quality side. Rohr highlighted the strength of the Guinean squad, noting that many of its players compete in top European leagues.

“They are motivated by a desire for revenge after missing the last AFCON,” he added, emphasizing the competitive intensity expected from the encounter.

In contrast, the friendly against Palestine represents a more unconventional choice aimed at broadening tactical experience.

Rohr explained: “There will also be Palestine, a team we rarely have the opportunity to play against. Playing against a team from another region of the world is always interesting for gaining new experiences.”

By facing two teams with different playing styles, Rohr hopes the March gathering will offer Benin a chance to refine its tactical systems and automatic movements in preparation for upcoming official competitions.

The Cheetahs aim to use these matches to test their adaptability and improve cohesion on the pitch.

The selection of Guinea and Palestine underscores Benin’s dual focus on competitive challenge and tactical experimentation.

With the March friendlies approaching, Rohr is looking to balance preparation for official tournaments with opportunities to expose his players to diverse footballing cultures.