Gernot Rohr warns Benin to raise their level after heavy defeat to Burkina Faso

Benin’s 3–0 loss to Burkina Faso in Mohammedia on 18 November has prompted coach Gernot Rohr to urge his players to react sharply ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The defeat exposed familiar weaknesses that Rohr believes his squad must correct quickly.

Rohr credited Burkina Faso’s quality and pointed to the difference between both teams in the FIFA rankings.

He said the match highlighted a clear gap in execution and efficiency.

Benin opened with intent, but an individual error gifted Burkina Faso the first goal, before another mistake in added time doubled the deficit.

The Stallions added a third in the closing seconds, punishing Benin’s lack of precision in front of goal.

Rohr acknowledged that his team improved after he introduced five substitutes at halftime.

He said the changes added stability and discipline, yet the final result still left him perplexed.

He insisted that Benin created enough opportunities to compete, but failed to convert them into meaningful chances.

The coach described the defeat as a wake-up call with the tournament just weeks away.

He warned that the team cannot repeat the same errors, especially on the flanks, where Benin struggled to contain pace and movement.

Rohr stressed that the players will meet similar opponents at the Africa Cup of Nations—teams that attack quickly and take advantage of the slightest opening.

He said the performance must trigger a stronger response during the final phase of preparation and that the squad must embrace the lessons from the match.

With AFCON approaching, Rohr believes the setback offers clarity on the work required and the urgency needed to match the level of top African sides.