Benin coach Gernot Rohr weighs World Cup hopes after South Africa points deduction

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has shared his thoughts on his team’s qualification chances for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following FIFA’s decision to dock South Africa three points.

The sanction was imposed after Bafana Bafana fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho despite the player being suspended.

The ruling has seen South Africa slip to second place in Group C on goal difference, tied on 14 points with Benin’s Cheetahs.

With two matches left, Rohr’s side needs back-to-back victories to secure automatic qualification.

However, the veteran German coach is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

“We’ll approach the last two matchdays with great humility. We still have two extremely tough matches, away to Rwanda and Nigeria,” Rohr told Foot-Africa.

“Meanwhile, South Africa will play twice at home. In fact, out of their ten matches, they will have played seven in South Africa. As for us, for the past two and a half years, we haven’t played a single game in Benin. All our matches have been away.

“It’s a small miracle to still have a chance in these conditions. But it will be extremely difficult given our schedule.

“We’ll remain determined, of course. Maybe it’s a twist of fate. It’s up to us to make the most of it, even if it’s going to be very, very tough,” he added.

Benin will wrap up their campaign with fixtures against Nigeria and Rwanda, while South Africa host Zimbabwe before facing Rwanda in their final group clash.