Benin Prepared for AFCON 2025 After World Cup Qualifying Disappointment
Benin is gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, aiming to leave a significant mark. This year marks their fifth appearance in the prestigious tournament, with hopes of building on past performances.
Historical Context and Recent Challenges
The Cheetahs made their AFCON debut in 2004. However, they have faced hurdles in recent years, missing qualification for both the 2021 and 2023 tournaments. These setbacks have spurred the team to focus on making a strong comeback in 2025.
Lessons from World Cup Qualifying
After coming close to securing their first FIFA World Cup berth, Benin’s assistant coach and head scout, Tunde Adelakun, aims to channel the team’s past successes. They reached the quarter-finals of AFCON in 2019, representing their best performance to date. Adelakun expressed his desire for the team to play attractive football and repay clubs for their players during a challenging season.
Coaching Insights
- Adelakun emphasized the importance of teamwork and good performances.
- He expressed his aspirations to win the tournament.
- The coach acknowledges the difficult journey ahead but is committed to maximizing their potential.
Current Team Composition
Head coach Gernot Rohr has selected a squad primarily comprised of players who showcased strong performances during the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Captain Steve Mounie is expected to lead the team into the tournament.
World Cup Qualification Journey
Benin’s path to the World Cup was filled with high hopes and ultimately ended in heartbreak. They narrowly missed out on qualification, finishing behind South Africa, the group leaders. The assistant coach reflected on the disappointment, stating that it was a difficult experience to overcome.
AFCON 2025 Group Analysis
As they prepare for AFCON, Benin finds itself in Group D alongside Senegal, DR Congo, and Botswana. The team is determined to transform their recent disappointments into a memorable AFCON experience.
Team’s Mindset
- According to Adelakun, the players are ready to put the World Cup disappointment behind them.
- They aim to showcase their capabilities on the continental stage.
With a strong squad and a resilient mindset, Benin looks to make a significant impact at AFCON 2025 and prove their worth in African football.
