With Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, South Africa and Lesotho, Benin could have a giant problem to beat in the event that they need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Gernot Rohr, the Franco-German coach of the Cheetahs, is conscious of this.
From our correspondent in France,
The whole lot in its time. Even when the draw carried out on July 13 in Abidjan allowed the 54 African alternatives concerned to know their opponents for the {qualifications} for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, this parenthesis was rapidly closed, after the time of study, to reopen that of the CAN in Côte d’Ivoire (January 13-February 11, 2024). Particularly for many who will play a last decisive match in September, on the event of the 6e and final day.
Benin is certainly one of them. The draw obtained in Cotonou in opposition to Senegal (1-1, June 17) permits him to dream of a return to the continental scene, after an absence in 2022 in Cameroon. For that, he should win in Mozambique, the place it’s by no means straightforward to win. However as quickly as this perilous journey to Portuguese-speaking land is over, Gernot Rohr will deal with the primary two days of qualifying for the World Cup, scheduled for November. The Franco-German technician will little doubt have learn the calendar by then, anticipated within the coming weeks, and Group C doesn’t have many unknowns for him. “It is a sturdy, sophisticated and really fascinating group. Benin will discover Rwanda, which is in its qualifying group for the Ivorian CAN. We all know this staff effectively, who will little doubt need to take revenge after their defeat on inexperienced carpet in opposition to Benin (0-3), however we should present that we’re able to successful on the pitch.»
Reunion with Nigeria, “Group C favourite»
The Cheetahs can even cross Zimbabwe, whose suspension by the Fifa ended, however which isn’t assured to obtain in Harare or Bulawayo, since none of its stadiums is accredited by CAF. “It is a bodily and strong choice, staff“Warns the previous defender of Bayern Munich and Girondins de Bordeaux. They can even discover Lesotho, who’ve simply performed within the last of the COSAFA Cup in South Africa in opposition to Zambia. “I had confronted this staff with Nigeria, and Benin additionally performed in opposition to them throughout the {qualifications} for the CAN in Cameroon (1-0, 0-0). We’re additionally going to satisfy three alternatives from southern Africa, geographically shut, as a result of there’s additionally South Africa on this Group C. They certified rapidly for the CAN in Côte d’Ivoire, they’re pushed by a brand new way of thinkingprovides Rohr.
However on the time of the draw, the Beninese coach inevitably felt a selected emotion when Nigeria, one of many 9 seeds, was positioned in Group C. Rohr coached the Tremendous Eagles from 2016 to 2021, certified them for the 2018 World Cup and the final two CANs, although he had been sacked a number of weeks earlier than the Cameroonian version. “I’ll discover a staff that I do know effectively, gamers who began with me within the choice (together with Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze). Nigeria is the favourite of the group. Furthermore, it’s a neighboring nation of Benin, it will likely be an actual derby. There will likely be loads of derbies on this Group C… The 2026 World Cup is a aim, however earlier than that there’s this unbelievable match to be performed in Mozambique…“.
Alexis BILLEBAULT
Supply: sportnewsafrica