Benin coach Gernot Rohr not ‘getting carried away’ despite being handed lead in World Cup qualifying Group C

Benin coach Gernot Rohr is maintaining a cautious approach despite his team being handed the top spot in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The West African side now leads the group, benefiting not only from its own results but also from a FIFA sanction against South Africa, which saw the Bafana Bafana docked three points for fielding an ineligible player.

The ruling came after South Africa played a suspended player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho, a decision that reshuffled the standings.

With the points deduction, Benin is level on 14 points with South Africa but tops the group on goal difference.

While the unexpected boost is welcome, Rohr is urging restraint.

“We find ourselves at the top of this group, but we must not get carried away. No euphoria. The hardest part begins now with these two matches away from home,” he said, as quoted by Africa Top Sports.

The challenge is compounded by South Africa’s remaining two matches being at home — a significant advantage in a group where Bafana Bafana will host seven out of ten fixtures due to the lack of approved stadiums in Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

Benin will play away to Rwanda in their penultimate qualifier on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1 p.m., and will travel to Nigeria four days later for their final group match.

Rohr has called on his squad to remain disciplined and concentrated, insisting that “humility” will be crucial if Benin is to continue chasing qualification for the World Cup in North and Central America next year.