Benin’s national football team coach, Gernot Rohr, has named his 25-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 qualifiers. The Cheetahs of Benin will face two crucial matches, starting with Nigeria on September 7, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, followed by a game against Libya on September 10 at the Félix-Houphouët Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
These matches mark the beginning of Benin’s journey in the AFCON Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
Rohr’s selection includes a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, as the team looks to secure vital points in these early fixtures.
Among the 25 players named are two debutants, Coton FC defender Souleymane Sika Bachirou and Banigansé FC midfielder Attidjekou Samadou, who will be eager to make their mark on the international stage.
In a welcome return, Burnley striker Andreas Hountondji is back in the squad after missing Benin’s last two matches.
His inclusion adds firepower to Benin’s attack as they prepare to face two strong opponents in Nigeria and Libya.
Rohr’s decision to bring Hountondji back underscores the coach’s desire to field a competitive team as Benin seeks to qualify for its third Africa Cup of Nations.
The upcoming match against Nigeria is expected to be particularly challenging.
The Super Eagles, one of Africa’s football powerhouses, will present a formidable test for Benin.
The game will take place in Uyo, Nigeria, and will be crucial for both teams as they look to begin their qualifying campaigns on a positive note.
Nigeria’s squad, known for its depth and talent, will likely push Benin to its limits, but Rohr remains confident in his team’s ability to compete at a high level.
Just days later, Benin will face Libya, another key opponent in their qualifying group.
The match in Abidjan will be a pivotal moment for the Cheetahs as they aim to build momentum in the qualifiers.
With two important matches in quick succession, Rohr’s squad selection will be critical to Benin’s success.
Here is the full list of players called up by Gernot Rohr for the CAN 2025 qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
- Saturnin Allagbé (Dijon FCO)
- Fabien Farnolle (Yeni Malatyaspor)
- Marcellin Koukpo (ES Sétif)
Defenders:
- Souleymane Sika Bachirou (Coton FC)
- Cedric Hountondji (Angers SCO)
- Khaled Adenon (Amiens SC)
- David Kiki (Brest)
- Junior Salomon (Remo Stars)
- Olivier Verdon (Ludogorets Razgrad)
- Moïse Adilehou (Levadiakos)
Midfielders:
- Attidjekou Samadou (Banigansé FC)
- Jordan Adéoti (Annecy FC)
- Sessi D’Almeida (Plymouth Argyle)
- Jodel Dossou (Clermont Foot)
- Stephane Sessegnon (Gençlerbirliği)
- Mattéo Ahlinvi (Nîmes Olympique)
Forwards:
- Andreas Hountondji (Burnley)
- Steve Mounié (Stade Brestois)
- Mickaël Poté (Bandırmaspor)
- Désiré Segbé Azankpo (Dunkerque)
- Yohan Roche (Paris FC)
With a mix of experienced players like Stephane Sessegnon and younger talents, Rohr hopes to create a dynamic and cohesive squad capable of competing against Africa’s best teams.
The inclusion of newcomers Bachirou and Samadou signals a commitment to developing emerging talent, while veterans like Sessegnon and Hountondji provide the leadership needed in crucial games.
The Cheetahs will need to navigate these matches carefully if they hope to secure a spot in Morocco for AFCON 2025.
Success in these qualifiers would mark a significant achievement for Benin and reinforce the progress the team has made under Rohr’s guidance.
