AFCON 2025 turned into an afternoon to remember for Yohan Roche, who not only scored the winner for Benin against Botswana but was also deservedly named Man of the Match for a complete all-round display.
Roche struck the only goal in a tense 1-0 victory in Rabat, a result that delivered Benin’s first ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations and revived their hopes of reaching the Round of 16. The 28-year-old defender also created two chances in the game.
The left-back arrived in the box to finish from captain Steve Mounié’s pass, his shot taking a slight deflection before beating goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
Beyond the goal, Roche anchored a disciplined defensive performance as Benin limited Botswana to few real chances, even when the Zebras pushed hard late on. Botswana’s best moment came from a superb Mothusi Johnson free-kick that crashed against the crossbar, but Roche and his backline held firm under pressure.
Benin face former champions Senegal in Tangier on December 30th, knowing that a positive result could secure their place in the knockout phase. Botswana will play DR Congo on the same day in Group D.
