Benin coach Gernot Rohr aims to rediscover team spirit after AFCON 2025

Benin head coach, Gernot Rohr, has set his sights on rebuilding momentum and laying a new foundation for the national team during the March 2026 international break.

The Cheetahs are scheduled to face the Palestine on March 27 before taking on Guinea on March 31 in an international friendly games, to be staged in Morocco.

With Benin now entering the post-2025 Africa Cup of Nations phase, the German tactician is determined to reset the tone for the next chapter.

Speaking to local outlet Joueurs Béninois, Rohr emphasized that the March fixtures will serve as key building blocks for the team’s future.

“We are now entering the post-2025-2026 Africa Cup of Nations period,” Rohr explained. “We have two very interesting matches coming up in March and we are already starting to assemble the squad for these games.”

The experienced coach made it clear that his approach will follow a familiar pattern — beginning with an expanded provisional list before trimming it down to a competitive final squad.

As has been his tradition, Rohr will first name a larger pre-selection squad, giving him the opportunity to closely assess a wide pool of talent before making final decisions.

“There will first be an extended squad for pre-selection,” he noted, “and then we will choose the players who will have the chance to prove themselves in important warm-up matches.”

Importantly, Rohr stressed that the upcoming fixtures are not mere exhibition games.

“These are not friendly matches,” he said. “They are preparatory matches with objectives to fulfil.”

For the veteran coach, the primary mission is to reignite the Cheetahs’ identity on and off the pitch.

“First, we need to rediscover our team spirit, our mindset, our solidarity and our football.”

The March gathering could also see the return of several key players who were previously unavailable due to injuries and other setbacks. Their comeback is expected to inject experience and stability into the squad.

At the same time, Rohr hinted at the integration of new talent as he looks to refresh the team’s dynamics.

“For this new season that is about to begin, we will have the chance to welcome back some players who were unable to be there last time,” he added. “We will also have the opportunity to see one or two new players.”

With competitive fixtures on the horizon later in the year, the March tournament in Morocco offers Benin the perfect platform to rebuild confidence, refine tactics, and strengthen cohesion.

For Rohr, the objective is clear: restore belief, reestablish identity, and ensure the Cheetahs roar back into contention with renewed purpose.