The topic had grow to be recurrent, with out it being identified if the epilogue would at some point be identified. For the reason that finish of the contract of the French Michel Dussuyer on the finish of 2021, the interim was offered by Moussa Latoundji, his former assistant. After good leads to the primary three pleasant matches of the yr, in Turkey in March 2022 (victories towards Liberia 4-0 and Zambia 2-1, draw 1-1 towards Togo), the remaining didn’t was additionally promising. THE Cheetahs misplaced their first two qualifying matches for CAN 2024. First towards Senegal (1-3, June 4), then in Cotonou towards Mozambique (0-1, June 8). Then towards Mauritania in September in a pleasant (0-1) in Mohammedia (Morocco).
First contacts in 2022
The 2 failures conceded through the CAN {qualifications} undoubtedly sealed the destiny of Latoundji. “He might need stayed on if the most recent outcomes had been higher. However, I imagine that the defeat towards Mozambique was deadly to Moussa“, supposes a relative of the choice. In Benin, as in a number of African international locations, the appointment of the coach just isn’t solely the enterprise of the federation.
The Ministry of Sports activities, which covers the wage of the coach and his technical workers, is clearly consulted. And Oswald Homeky, who holds the portfolio, occurs to be an enormous soccer fan. The selection due to this fact fell on Gernot Rohr (69). Whereas the names of Philippe Troussier and particularly Patrice Beaumelle, had circulated on the aspect of Cotonou. “There had been a primary contact a couple of yr in the past, however I had refused. As a result of after greater than 5 years in Nigeria, I wanted to spend time with my household. I additionally had time to dedicate to the Girondins de Bordeaux, my lifelong membership. And I wished to observe the World Cup in Qatar. Then I used to be contacted once more, and issues bought performedsays Rohr.
The profile of the skilled Franco-German technician has satisfied Benin’s decision-makers. “He’s competent, and is aware of Africa very properly and has led a number of alternatives (Niger, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Nigeria). He has a profile that considerably resembles that of Michel Dussuyer, who left excellent reminiscences right here“, intervenes Mathurin de Chacus, the president of the Beninese Soccer Federation. Dussuyer, who has good relations with Rohr, has spoken with him a number of instances. “I gave him info on the nation, on the surroundings of the choice, on soccer. I felt him very within the undertaking“Confirms the Cannois, who had led his workforce to the quarter-finals of CAN 2019 in Egypt towards Senegal (0-1).
Between the signing of his contract and his official presentation, adopted by the announcement of the checklist to face Rwanda on March 22 and 27 in Cotonou and Butare, Rohr bought to know his squad higher. “I clearly relied on the recommendation of Moussa Latoundji. He may also be a part of my workers, as a result of I do not know everybody but.“Confirms the previous defender of Bayern Munich and Bordeaux.
Rwanda first
Earlier than accepting the mission proposed by Benin, Rohr clearly scrutinized the classification of Group L of the {qualifications} for the Ivorian CAN. THE Cheetahs dawdle in final place, and not using a single level to their credit score. And in the event that they wish to hope to accompany Senegal in all probability on the aspect of Abidjan or Bouaké, they should take a minimum of 9 factors within the final 4 matches. “For the second, solely the 2 matches towards Rwanda focus my consideration. I do know it is a good workforce. We’ll attempt to take as many factors as doable towards the Rwandans to reviveinsists Rohr. “We nonetheless have the playing cards in hand to qualify for the CAN, that is the primary goal.»
The second, a minimum of as bold, is to qualify Benin for the World Cup 2026 which can happen in the US, Canada and Mexico. “The rise from 32 to 48 groups within the last section will improve the variety of African alternatives, which can improve from 5 to 9 or 10. Benin is a rustic with ambition and a improvement undertaking. He’s due to this fact proper to goal for a World Cupconfirms Rohr.
However the supporters of Benin, at first, will gladly be happy with good outcomes towards these Rwandans who’re stated to be robust…
Alexis BILLEBAULT
Supply: sportnewsafrica
