AFCON 2025: Benin back on the African stage
Benin returns to AFCON 2025 with ambition: Steve Mounié as leader, a strong group and genuine chances to cause an upset. Full analysis.
SUMMARY
- Bet on AFCON 2025 matches? Here’s an option for Beninese fans
- Steve Mounié, the captain who sets the tempo
- Three reasons to believe in a solid campaign
- 1. Renewed motivation
- 2. A clear playing identity
- 3. Experienced key players
- What people in Benin are saying
- What realistic ambitions for the Cheetahs?
In Cotonou, in cafés as in hair salons, the same question comes up: what can Benin hope for at AFCON 2025? As the tournament approaches, enthusiasm is palpable. After a few up-and-down years on the continental stage, the Cheetahs are back in competition.
The draw is no gift: Senegal, DR Congo and Botswana will make up Group D. A major challenge, certainly, but Benin has already shown — notably in 2019 — that it can defy the odds when the stakes are high.
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In recent international campaigns, Benin has shown notable progress, displaying more rigor and stability in its performances. Enough to fuel some optimism ahead of AFCON 2025.
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Steve Mounié, the captain who sets the tempo
A central figure of the squad, Steve Mounié embodies experience and consistency.
His leadership, aerial power and ability to make a difference in decisive moments make him a major asset for the Cheetahs.
Under Gernot Rohr’s guidance, the team appears to have gained in rigor and maturity. The German coach stresses tactical discipline — a framework in which Benin often performs effectively.
Three reasons to believe in a solid campaign
1. Renewed motivation
Long absent from the continental stage, the Cheetahs approach this AFCON with the objective of confirming the progress made in recent years.
2. A clear playing identity
A compact defensive block, quick transitions, constant combative spirit: Benin knows how to exploit the smallest space left by the opponent.
3. Experienced key players
Mounié, Dossou, Ahlinvi… These players know the demands of big occasions and know how to handle the pressure.
In a group where Senegal is the clear favorite, Benin is no mere bystander. The team has the means to shake up the order and target a place in the round of 16.
What people in Benin are saying
The tone is clear-eyed but confident. “Senegal is strong, yes, but football is never played on paper,” is often heard. Supporters haven’t forgotten the 2019 feat, when Benin reached the quarterfinals after a memorable victory over Morocco.
What realistic ambitions for the Cheetahs?
The perfect scenario?
- Beat Botswana, an opponent within reach.
- Hold DR Congo, or even take a point from them.
- Put up real resistance against Senegal — which is far from impossible.
With four points, qualification is conceivable. Five points would be an achievement.
Six points would swing continental opinion.
AFCON 2025 is not just a return to competition for Benin: it’s also an opportunity to consolidate a determined, structured and ambitious generation.
The Cheetahs arrive in Morocco with humility, but also with the conviction that they can influence the tournament. Whether followed from Porto-Novo, Cotonou or directly from the stands in Morocco, one certainty remains: Benin is not coming just to participate. Benin is coming to make its mark.
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