Gernot Rohr assesses new talents in Benin internal friendly win

Benin’s senior national team edged out their U23 counterparts 1-0 in a tightly contested training match at the Stade de l’Amitié Général Mathieu Kérékou, with coach Gernot Rohr using the fixture to assess new and emerging players ahead of upcoming international commitments.

The decisive moment came from a Saïd Ngobi penalty, which separated the two sides in a match designed to serve both immediate preparation and long-term development objectives for Beninese football.

While the senior team secured the win, the primary focus remained on player evaluation and squad depth ahead of the next FIFA international window.

The fixture also offered the U23 side valuable exposure against senior-level opposition as they continue preparations for the qualifiers for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for September.

For the A team, it was an opportunity to integrate new players and observe how they adapt to competitive conditions.

Speaking after the match, Rohr underlined the dual purpose of the encounter and the importance of assessing both experienced and debutant players.

“The aim of this match was to give the U23s a chance to play and our new players a chance to see what they’re capable of. So for us, it was both a test and an opportunity, out of solidarity, to allow the U23s who haven’t yet played a match to prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations, which also starts in September.

It was also a chance for me to see if there were any U23 players who aren’t yet with us that we could potentially call up to the first team. That turned out to be the case, as I noticed a very good winger who was there and who finished the match with us.”

Rohr also expressed satisfaction with the performances of several individuals, particularly those featuring for the first time in the setup.

Among them were Amiro Amadou, who completed three 30-minute spells, and Glèlè Irenée, both of whom impressed in their senior team involvement. He also pointed to the importance of minutes for players such as Dodo Dokou and Romaric Amoussou.

“What was interesting was seeing the new players who were playing for the first time. Amiro Amadou in particular, who did some good things… We also saw Glèlè Irenée with us for the first time. That was interesting. And then there were players like Dodo Dokou and Romaric Amoussou who haven’t played much for the club. So they needed 90 minutes of playing time. And that’s what happened.”

Despite the competitive nature of the match, Rohr confirmed there were no injury concerns, which added to his overall satisfaction with the exercise.

“There were no injuries, despite some pretty close challenges. And we won the match. Even if it’s a training game, it’s always good to win. Especially with young players who are starting to develop. I think it’s a good rehearsal.”

The match is part of a broader effort to strengthen the pathway between Benin’s youth and senior national teams, while refining tactical and personnel options ahead of upcoming fixtures.