What can Benin hope for at AFCON 2025?
In Cotonou, in cafés as well as in hair salons, the same question keeps coming up: what can Benin hope for at AFCON 2025?
SUMMARY
Qualified for the fifth time in its history, Benin begins AFCON 2025 this Tuesday with a clash against DR Congo. With 24 hours to kickoff, enthusiasm is palpable. After a few roller-coaster years on the continental stage, the Cheetahs are back in the competition. The draw is no easy one: 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 upset the odds when the stakes are high. In recent international campaigns, coach Gernot Rohr’s men have shown notable progress, displaying greater discipline and stability in their performances. Enough to feed some optimism ahead of AFCON 2025.
Three reasons to believe in a strong run
1. Renewed motivation
Long absent from the continental scene, the Cheetahs approach this AFCON with the aim of confirming the progress made in recent years.
2. A clear playing identity
Compact defensive block, quick transitions, constant fighting spirit: Benin knows how to exploit the smallest space left by opponents.
3. Experienced leaders
Mounié, Dossou, Ahlinvi… These players know the demands of big occasions and know how to handle pressure.
In a group where Senegal is the clear favorite, Benin is no mere bystander. The team has the means to shake up the hierarchy and aim for a spot in the round of 16.
What people on the streets of Benin are saying
The tone is clear-eyed but confident. « Senegal is strong, yes, but football is never decided on paper », you often hear. Supporters haven’t forgotten the feat of 2019, when Benin reached the quarter-finals after a memorable victory over Morocco.
What realistic ambitions for the Cheetahs?
The perfect scenario?
- Beat Botswana, an opponent within reach.
- Hold DR Congo to a draw, or even take a point off 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 shift 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 therefore arrive in Morocco with humility, but also with the conviction that they can make an impact on the tournament. Whether followed from Porto-Novo, Cotonou or directly from the stands in Morocco, one certainty remains: Benin is not here just to take part. Benin is here to make its presence felt.
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