Benin rely on Junior Olaitan as CAN 2027 qualifying campaign begins

Gernot Rohr is counting on Junior Olaitan to provide creativity and attacking threat in midfield as Benin prepare to begin their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign.

The Besiktas midfielder has been included in the squad selected by the Franco-German manager for the September-October international window. His technical ability and willingness to contribute in forward areas have made him an important option for Rohr in the centre of the pitch.

Olaitan’s development at club level means he heads into the qualifiers with increased experience. Rohr believes the Benin international can add energy and penetration to the Guepards’ attacking play while helping to drive the team forward from midfield.

Benin will open their qualifying campaign against Burkina Faso on 25 September. They will then host Mauritania four days later, with the two fixtures representing the team’s first official matches in the 2027 qualifying process.

Olaitan is expected to have a significant role in organising Benin’s midfield and supporting their attacking moves. However, Rohr will have to manage a number of absences for the opening fixtures.

Steve Mounie will miss out because of injury, while Olivier Verdon is suspended. Those setbacks increase the importance of the players available to Rohr as Benin prepare for their meeting with Burkina Faso.

The Burkina Faso fixture will be the first match of the campaign for both sides, with Benin then facing Mauritania on home soil four days later.