Benin’s ‘new mentality’ puts Gernot Rohr’s side on course for AFCON 2027

Benin manager Gernot Rohr says a “new mentality” has helped his side make an unbeaten start to their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign.

The Cheetahs moved to the top of Group F with seven points from three matches after a 4-1 victory over the Central African Republic on Thursday.

Rohr’s team had already drawn 1-1 with Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou in September before beating Mauritania 2-1. Their latest win came at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, where Benin play their home matches because Cotonou does not have an approved stadium.

They were 3-1 ahead at half-time against the Central African Republic and now have seven goals in the group, while conceding three.

The German coach, who guided Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup and a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, said the improvement was linked to the way his team now approaches matches. His comments were reported by AfricaSoccer.com.

“It is very encouraging, but we must remain cautious,” Rohr said.

He also connected Benin’s progress with the last Africa Cup of Nations, while highlighting the importance of the side’s tactical flexibility.

Rohr said Benin can adapt their approach depending on whether their target man is available. With the forward in the team, they seek to use “his aerial ability”; without him, they rely more on keeping the ball on the ground.

That variation has given Benin different ways to threaten opponents, and they remain unbeaten after the first half of their qualifying group.

Rohr is already focused on Monday’s meeting with the Central African Republic in Douala. Although the Central African Republic have no points, the coach expects them to treat the match as their final opportunity to remain in the qualification race.

“It will be a difficult match,” Rohr said.

The fixture is technically an away game for Benin, and a team with nothing left to lose could present a significant challenge. However, victory would take Rohr’s side to 10 points with two matches remaining and leave them “really close” to qualification.

Benin’s start contrasts with Nigeria’s progress in Group L. At the same stage, the Super Eagles have six points after losing 3-0 in Guinea-Bissau and remain behind the group leaders.

Benin face the Central African Republic in Douala on Monday, one day before Nigeria play Tanzania in Zanzibar, with Group L’s only qualifying place still available.

Rohr’s previous call for a Nigeria-born striker also caused controversy in September.