CAN 2025: Benin in search of a decisive victory

A place at stake in Group D

Currently second in its group with six points, behind Nigeria which has ten, Benin is in a favorable position to secure a ticket for the CAN 2025. The Cheetahs can validate their qualification as early as this Thursday, November 14, 2024 during their confrontation against the Super Eagles . However, this victory will have to be accompanied by favorable results in the other match of the group.

Possible scenarios for qualification

For immediate qualification, two conditions must be met:

• Rwanda fails to beat Libya or ends in a draw.
• Benin wins against Nigeria.

Such a scenario would bring the Beninese to nine points, enough to secure their place in the final phase of the competition.

In the event that Rwanda wins against Libya , the qualification of the Cheetahs would be postponed to the 6th and final day . This would require a victory for Benin against Libya, while hoping that Rwanda does not beat Nigeria.

The concerns of coach Gernot Rohr

Benin coach Gernot Rohr expressed his doubts about a Rwandan defeat against Libya:

“I would be surprised if Rwanda loses at home. They have the support of their fans, it will be a difficult match.”

For Rohr, the outcome of the qualifications should be decided on the last day, against Libya:

“We will be ready for this decisive match and will do everything to be present at the next CAN.”

In case of a draw or defeat against Nigeria

• Draw : If Benin shares the points with Nigeria and Rwanda wins against Libya, the Rwandans would take second place with eight points. In this case, Benin will have to beat Libya on the last day and hope for a slip-up by Rwanda against Nigeria.
• Defeat : If Benin loses against Nigeria, its qualification will depend on Rwanda’s results. A Rwandan victory against Libya and Nigeria would eliminate the Cheetahs. On the other hand, a defeat or a draw for Rwanda against Libya would maintain Beninese hopes.

The next deadlines

• Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 7 p.m. GMT : Benin vs Nigeria at the Stade Félix-Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan.
• Monday 18 November 2024 at 4pm GMT : Libya vs Benin at 11 June Stadium in Tripoli.

Conclusion

For the Cheetahs of Benin , every point counts in this crucial phase of the qualifiers. A victory against Nigeria could seal their fate, but it also depends on Rwanda’s performance against Libya. The suspense remains intact until the last day, where Beninese ambitions will be definitively tested.