TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025: Know Your Team: Benin
Benin will arrive at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 with ambitions to upset the established hierarchy of African football.
This marks their fifth appearance in the continental showpiece and their first since a quarter-final finish at the 2019 edition in Egypt.
Under the experienced guidance of Gernot Rohr, Benin is ready to challenge Africa's elite.
Head Coach: Gernot Rohr
Gernot Rohr, appointed in February 2023, has quickly revitalized Benin's football. The German-French tactician brought his wealth of experience, having previously guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON and Gabon to the quarter-finals in 2012. His structured approach and use of the 4-2-3-1 formation have added balance and creativity to Benin's game.
Rohr’s arrival was a turning point for the team after missing out on the 2021 and 2023 editions. His methodical restructuring ensured Benin's qualification for Morocco 2025, much to the delight of the nation.
Factfile
- Nickname: The Cheetahs
- FIFA Ranking: 94th (January 2025)
- Best AFCON Performance: Quarter-finals (2019)
- AFCON Appearances: 4 (2004, 2008, 2010, 2019)
How They Qualified
Benin secured their spot in Morocco by finishing second in Group D of the qualifiers, alongside Nigeria, Rwanda, and Libya. They edged Rwanda on goal difference after both teams ended with 8 points from identical records (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses). Benin's ability to deliver results under pressure proved crucial in their return to the continental stage.
Player to Watch: Steve Mounié
Steve Mounié, the captain and talisman of the team, will lead Benin in his second AFCON appearance. The towering striker, known for his aerial prowess and clinical finishing, scored two goals in the qualifiers. With 19 goals in 58 international caps, Mounié is just five shy of Stéphane Sessègnon’s all-time scoring record for Benin.
Now 30, Mounié plies his trade with Augsburg in the Bundesliga, and his experience and leadership will be pivotal as Benin seeks to surpass their 2019 quarter-final performance.
Did You Know?
Benin reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 AFCON without winning a single match in regulation time, relying on their resilience and tactical discipline to advance.
Previous AFCON Performances
- 2004: Group Stage
- 2008: Group Stage
- 2010: Group Stage
- 2019: Quarter-finals
Benin's new identity as "The Cheetahs" and their return to AFCON marks a fresh chapter for the team. With Gernot Rohr at the helm and Steve Mounié leading on the pitch, they are determined to leave a lasting impression in Morocco.