Khaled Adenon backs Benin to secure AFCON 2027 progress in Douala

Khaled Adenon believes Benin have the confidence and form required to strengthen their position in the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign when they face Central African Republic in Douala on Monday.

The Group F fixture, the fourth round of the qualifiers, will be played at Japoma Stadium at 16:00 GMT. Benin arrive with seven points from their opening three matches after beating Central African Republic 4-1 in Abidjan on Thursday.

That result put Gernot Rohr’s side top of the group, level on points with Burkina Faso. Benin remain unbeaten, having recorded two victories and one draw, while Central African Republic have yet to collect a point.

Adenon, the former Benin captain, told 229foot that the team’s results had given them an important psychological advantage before the return meeting. He believes the Guepards must use that momentum to take control of the contest rather than allow their opponents the opportunity to respond.

The former defender also highlighted the importance of Benin’s position in the group. Their unbeaten start, combined with Central African Republic’s difficult opening to the campaign, has provided the team with confidence and a clear opportunity to move closer to qualification.

For Adenon, qualification for the 2027 tournament would carry particular significance. He represented Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, 2010 and 2019, when the team reached the quarter-finals.

Benin secured their place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and could now qualify for a second successive edition. Adenon believes another appearance would underline the country’s return to regular competition on the continental stage and represent another step forward in its recent football history.

The former international says the objective in Douala should be more ambitious than simply protecting Benin’s advantage in the standings. He wants the team to claim all three points and secure qualification as quickly as possible.

Adenon now works with the Benin Football Federation’s unit responsible for identifying dual-national players and continues to follow the national team closely. Ahead of the match, he also sent the squad a message of encouragement as they prepare for another meeting with Central African Republic.

Victory would give Benin a significant advantage in Group F and strengthen their excellent start to the qualifying campaign. However, Central African Republic will be seeking their first points when the sides meet for the second time in four days.

The match at Japoma Stadium is scheduled to begin at 16:00 GMT on Monday, 16 November 2026.