Benin begin CAN 2027 preparations in Abidjan with 13-player training squad

The Benin national team began preparations in Abidjan on Monday, 09 November 2026, ahead of a crucial two-match qualifying tie against Central African Republic for the third and fourth matchdays of the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

Head coach Gernot Rohr oversaw the opening session at the Lycee Classique de Cocody, where an initial group of 13 players took part. The squad included Saturnin Allagbe, Sessi d’Almeida, Junior Olugbade and Mohamed Tijani.

The session marked the start of a short preparation period in which the Guepards will seek to establish their tactical approach and improve their understanding before the two fixtures.

Benin will host the first match at Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Thursday. The return fixture will be played on Monday, 16 November in Douala, Cameroon.

With only a few days available to fine-tune their preparations, the Guepards face two important matches that could have a major bearing on their qualifying campaign. The team will need its full squad as it aims to collect the maximum number of points from the two encounters.