Rohr Guides Benin to Historic First AFCON Victory
Benin finally broke their Africa Cup of Nations hoodoo as Gernot Rohr’s men claimed a historic first-ever win at the continental finals, defeating Botswana 1-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The victory ended a frustrating 15-match winless streak (five draws and ten losses) and gave the Cheetahs a real chance of progressing from Group D.
The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Yohan Roche’s strike, set up by Steve Mounié, took a deflection and looped over goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.
It was enough to secure all three points despite Benin missing several chances to extend their lead. Earlier, Mounié had an opener ruled out for offside, while Aiyegun Tosin’s bicycle kick attempt failed to find the target.
Botswana, still searching for their first-ever AFCON victory, had opportunities of their own.
Tumisang Orebonye squandered a clear chance in front of goal, and Mothusi Johnson was unlucky to see his free-kick cannon off the bar with Marcel Dandjinou beaten. The Zebras’ misery continued as they slumped to a fifth straight defeat in the competition’s history, leaving them bottom of the group with no points.
Benin, meanwhile, celebrated only their third clean sheet in AFCON history and now sit on three points, eyeing knockout-stage qualification. Rohr’s side will face a stern test against Senegal in their final group fixture at the Grand Stade de Tanger, where even a draw could secure their passage to the next round.
