Gernot Rohr urges caution despite Benin’s strong start to AFCON 2027 qualifying

Benin manager Gernot Rohr says his side must remain focused despite moving into a strong position in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying group after a convincing 4-1 victory over Central African Republic in Abidjan on Thursday.

The result, in Group F, gave Benin seven points from three matches and a goal difference of plus four. The teams meet again in Douala, Cameroon, on Monday.

“It is very encouraging, but we must remain cautious,” Rohr said. “We will know a little more on Monday after the match against Central African Republic in Douala.

“Taking a point away from home would be a good result, but we will be ambitious. A victory would bring us really close to qualification. However, we will have to be very attentive because Central African Republic, who have no points, will probably see this as their last chance to remain in the race. We should therefore expect a difficult match.”

Benin had already drawn 1-1 with Burkina Faso and beaten Mauritania 2-1 in September. Rohr said his team had been determined to secure three points against Central African Republic, while remaining wary of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Louis Mafouta.

Imourane Hassane gave Benin an early lead before Central African Republic quickly equalised. Benin restored their advantage and added a second goal before half-time, then completed a comfortable win.

“We were able to win so convincingly thanks to our seriousness, the 4-3-3 system that we are mastering better and better, and the individual and collective quality of the squad,” Rohr said.

Benin again managed without captain and striker Steve Mounie, who was absent. Rohr explained that his team changes its approach depending on whether the forward is available.

“We do not necessarily play in the same way when Steve is there or not,” he said. “When he is with us, we often look for his aerial ability, an area in which he is very strong. When he is not on the pitch, we favour a game played more along the ground.”

Rohr believes the improvement has come from the squad as a whole rather than one or two individuals.

“It is a collective effort,” he said. “It is a team that has developed automatisms and enjoys working together. There has been a new mentality for several months.”

He traced that progress to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Benin reached the last 16 and pushed Egypt before losing 3-1 after extra time.

“I think that Africa Cup of Nations allowed the team to make progress,” Rohr said. “It gained experience, became more mature and developed greater confidence.”

He identified Junior Olaitan, Aiyegoun Tosin, Steve Mounie and Sessi D’Almeida as senior figures, while also praising the contribution of younger players. Hassane Imourane has had limited playing time at Grasshoppers Zurich and Mohamed Tijani is without a club, but Rohr said neither situation had been evident during international duty.

Benin have been unable to play in Cotonou for a long time because they do not have an approved stadium. Rohr said the team had adapted to hosting matches in Abidjan, although the absence of home support remained difficult.

A return to Cotonou could be possible early next year, which would allow Benin to host Burkina Faso there in March.