Benin name 30-man provisional squad for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has announced a provisional 30-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with the Cheetahs set to prune the list to the required 28 players before the tournament begins in Morocco on 21 December.

The squad, announced ahead of a training camp in Ben Slimane, Morocco beginning on 10 December, reflects Rohr’s desire to guard against injuries, suspensions and late fitness setbacks.

The German coach revealed that he initially shortlisted 50 players before narrowing it to 30 for this preparation phase.

The eye-catching inclusion in the squad is centre-back Charlemagne Azongnitodé, who earns his first call-up after an impressive second half of the season with AC Oulu in Finland.

His performances have caught the attention of Rohr and his staff, and he is seen as a potential long-term asset for Benin’s defensive structure.

Rohr has otherwise kept faith with his established core. Steve Mounié, fully recovered from injury, returns to lead the attack, while Rodolfo Aloko also re-enters the squad after regaining fitness.

Santos Felipe, Adam Akimey and Mariano Ahouangbo — all tested in previous camps — retain their places.

Benin, who face Senegal in their final Group Stage match on 30 December, become one of the latest nations to confirm their preparations.

Rohr said he wants to arrive in Morocco with “at least 26 or 27 fit players,” noting that five players are suspended for Benin’s opening AFCON match.

The extended group, he explained, is designed to ensure the Cheetahs avoid “any unpleasant surprises” as they complete their build-up.

Benin enter crucial preparation phase in Morocco

The Morocco-based training camp will provide the coaching staff with the chance to assess form, fitness and tactical cohesion before trimming the squad to the final 28 permitted by CAF rules.

The outcome of this camp will determine which two players are dropped.

Benin will rely on the experience of Mounié and the defensive leadership of Olivier Verdon and Yohan Roche, while midfielders Sessi D’Almeida, Mattéo Ahlinvi and Dodo Dokou form the backbone of the team’s central structure.

The Cheetahs aim to build on a cycle that has seen increasing competitiveness in recent years, with Rohr seeking to blend defensive solidity, work rate and physical presence as they prepare for a challenging Group D.

Benin’s 30-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers:

Dandjinou Marcel, Allagbé Saturnin, Obassa Serge

Defenders:

Attidjikou Samadou, Azongnitodé Charlemagne, Fassinou Rodrigue, Kiki David, Moumini Rachid, Ouorou Tamimou, Yohan Roche, Tijani Mohamed, Verdon Olivier

Midfielders:

Ahlinvi Mattéo, Ahouangbo Mariano, Ahoudo Gislain, D’Almeida Sessi, Dokou Dodo, Hassane Imourane, Kossi Rodrigue

Forwards:

Akimey Adam, Aloko Rodolfo, Amoussou Romaric, Dossou Jodel, Hountondji Andreas, Mounié Steve, Olaïtan Junior, Rachidou Razack, Santos Felipe, Tessilimi Olatoundji, Tosin Aiyegun