Gernot Rohr: ‘Traumatised’ Benin boss wants Libya sanctioned

Having booked a place at Afcon, Rohr has already turned his attention back to the ambitious target of qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Despite their rise up the African football ladder in the mid-2000s, Benin remain a nation of modest resources, so the coach is putting his faith in youth.

“We have a lot of young and local players,” Rohr explained.

“It is different from the other countries I had previously managed in Africa. We have half of the team under the age of 21 and 22, half of the team coming from the local league.

“That is the opposite of what I had in Nigeria, where everybody was playing in big teams, big clubs and big leagues.

“The difference is they are very, very hungry. They want to make a successful career and that’s why the ambition is very big, and it’s a special work for the coach.”

Benin first played at an Afcon finals in 2004, followed by appearances in 2008, 2010 and 2019.

The Cheetahs have never qualified for the World Cup, but Rohr believes their recent continental success is “giving confidence” to his players as they look to make history.

After four games in qualifying, they currently sit third in Group C with seven points – only behind leaders Rwanda on goal difference and second-placed South Africa on goals scored.

Rohr’s former team, Nigeria, are languishing in fifth position with just three points.

The campaign restarts in March with a trip to Zimbabwe followed by a home fixture against South Africa.

Rohr’s message remains that “everything is possible”.