CAN 2025: Canal+ rallies the Beninese public behind the Leopards

Supporters, football fans, cultural figures and journalists gathered on Tuesday at the Eya community centre in Cotonou to watch Benin’s first match at CAN 2025, being held in Morocco, on the big screen. It was a show of support for Benin’s ambassadors, organised by Canal+ as part of the launch of “CAN with the Leopards”.

Facing DR Congo in Rabat, the Leopards went down by the narrowest of margins (1-0) on the opening matchday of Group D. The match started well for Gernot Rohr’s men, but turned after a defensive coordination lapse was punished inside the first quarter of an hour. Despite a courageous response and several promising moments, the Beninese side came up against a well-organised Congolese defence. The changes made in the second half were not enough. 

A frustrating setback, but one far from denting the optimism surrounding the Leopards, whose performance inspired hope and pride. For Canal+, the Africa Cup of Nations is not about a single match. « The Africa Cup of Nations isn’t decided in a single match. It’s a long competition, a true celebration of African football », said Moumine Wologan, head of communications for Canal+ and Canal Box Bénin, stressing the need to stay confident and united behind the national team. The broadcasting group says it remains fully committed to supporting not only the Leopards, but also all the teams taking part in this Moroccan edition through Canal+CAN.

Complete coverage, everywhere, at all times

As the official broadcaster of CAN 2025, Canal+ is betting on a multi-channel offering. In addition to television, the Canal+ app lets supporters follow matches on the move, a major asset given that Benin’s group-stage matches are scheduled around 1pm and 1:30pm, times that are not always compatible with getting home.

« You’ll notice that the Leopards’ group-stage matches will take place around 1pm, 1:30pm. So it’s really useful that we have the Canal+ app, because it lets everyone follow the programme even when they’re not at home. To follow this coverage on Canal+ Can, there’s only one thing to do. Come and get the Canal+ decoder, which is currently on promotion at 1,000 CFA francs, starting from the Evasion package. Or, if you’re already a Canal+ subscriber, all you need to do is renew your last package and you’ll get 30 days free on the full Canal+ package », added Moumine Wologan.

Canal+, close to its supporters

At the same time, the operator is promoting CanalBox, its unlimited fibre-optic internet connection, whose installation fees are exceptionally free until December 31. «(…) To be able to follow the Canal+ app completely smoothly, subscribe to unlimited CanalBox internet, which is currently available free as part of a promotion. CanalBox fibre installation fees are currently free. We invite you to check your eligibility and call on our sales staff, who are recognisable by their pink outfits, to have it installed and take advantage of this promotional offer, which ends on December 31, 2025 », said the Canal+ communications manager. A clear commitment: to let supporters fully experience CAN 2025, despite the early setback, and to keep believing in the Leopards’ adventure.

The public appreciates Canal+’s initiative

In the stands, disappointment did not overshadow pride. Content creator and cultural figure Kevin Prince Houndalo praised the quality of the football on display. « The Leopards weren’t disgraceful at all. They showed desire, commitment and good football. Luck simply wasn’t on our side», he said, before thanking Canal+ for the initiative.

Beninese artist Majestic shared the same view, seeing in this team an encouraging momentum: « You can really feel Beninese football evolving. Football brings together a whole people, from the youngest to the oldest. » Notably, praise also came from the opposing camp. Congolese supporter Nafissa Ahmed did not hesitate to salute Benin’s performance: « Benin really gave us a hard time. They tried everything. Honestly, hats off to them», said the Congolese fan, who had been invited by Canal+ to watch the match between Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo.