Benin’s World Cup Journey Heats Up with Rohr’s Squad Announcement
Hey everyone, let me walk you through the latest buzz in African football as the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are getting intense. The spotlight is on Benin, where the national team, affectionately called the Guépards, has just had its squad revealed for the 7th and 8th matchdays.
On August 28, 2025, the Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr addressed the media and shared his list of 25 players who will represent Benin against Zimbabwe and Lesotho. True to his conservative approach, Rohr kept the core of the team intact, making no major changes to the lineup. He emphasized that, with just four months to go before the African Cup of Nations, it wouldn’t make sense to shake things up completely.
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Interestingly, five former players have made their way back into the squad: Tosin Ayegun, Andreas Hountondji, Rodrigue Kossi, Cédric Hountondji, and Rachid Moumini. Their return brings a familiar experience and stability to the team as they gear up for these crucial qualifying matches.
The full squad includes a strong mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. In goal, Saturnin Allagbe, Serge Obassa, and Marcel Dandjinou have been called up. The defensive line will rely on players like Cédric Hountondji, Kiki David, Rachid Moumini, and a few others, all tasked with keeping the opposition at bay. In midfield, talents like Matteo Ahlinvi, Mariano Ahouangbo, and Rodrigue Kossi are expected to control the game and create opportunities. Up front, the attack is led by Steve Mounié, Jodel Dossou, Tosin Ayegun, and Andréas Hountondji, all of whom will carry the hopes of the nation.
The stakes were quickly illustrated during the 7th matchday against Zimbabwe. It was a tense game, with Benin struggling to break through a solid Zimbabwean defense during the first half. But in the second half, after making some strategic substitutions, Benin’s persistence paid off. Steve Mounié scored a decisive goal with a perfectly timed header, securing a 1-0 victory. With this win, Benin now sits alone in second place in their group with 11 points, keeping their World Cup dream very much alive.
So, as Benin prepares to face Lesotho next, the team is riding high on confidence. The selection has been carefully managed, experience has been reinstated, and the Guépards are clearly determined to make a strong push in the 2026 qualifiers. Fans across the country are certainly buzzing, and the coming matches promise to be thrilling.
In short, the Guépards have been carefully shaped, their momentum is building, and the World Cup qualifiers are proving to be an exciting journey for Benin. The stage is set, and all eyes are on Rohr’s squad as they chase football glory.
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