Gernot Rohr has set a bold target for his Benin side as the 2025 AFCON approaches, insisting the Cheetahs must secure their first-ever victory in the tournament’s final phase.
The Franco-German coach said his team’s ambition remains clear — to win on the biggest African stage.
He recalled Benin’s 2019 AFCON campaign, where the team reached the round of 16 without winning a single match, advancing after three consecutive draws.
Rohr believes that experience must now fuel tangible success.
“Our first goal is to win a match in the final phase,” Rohr explained in comments relayed by Jude Adda.
“In 2019, Benin reached the round of 16 after three draws. This time, we want a real victory on the pitch.”
Benin’s task at AFCON 2025 is far from simple. The Cheetahs are drawn in Group D alongside African champions Senegal, a strong DR Congo side, and the unpredictable Botswana.
Rohr, however, remains confident his team can rise to the challenge.
“It’s crucial to beat Botswana, and we’ll try to take points from the other two.
It won’t be easy, but it’s achievable. My team has improved a lot,” he added.
Rohr’s belief stems from the steady growth Benin has shown since he took charge.
The Cheetahs have become more disciplined and competitive under his leadership, with a stronger emphasis on tactical structure and mental resilience.
As preparations intensify, the coach’s message to his players remains consistent — play with courage, seize opportunities, and aim to make history for Benin.
The Cheetahs’ journey in Group D promises intense battles, but Rohr’s determination and his squad’s growing confidence could inspire a new chapter in Benin’s AFCON story.
