Rorh shifts focus to Libya game after drawing 1-1 with Nigeria

Cheetahs of Benin coach Gernot Rorh says he is already looking ahead to the next match against Libya next week after his team was forced to a 1-1 draw by the star-studded Super Eagles team on Thursday in their penultimate game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The Cheetahs scored first against the Nigerians through Mohamed Tijani on 16 minutes, but Victor Osimhen levelled for the visitors in the 81st minute, a result that meant the Benin team will have to get a result against Libya in their final game if they are desirous of joining Nigeria as the second team to qualify from the group.

‘The message was clear, if we won, we were qualified. That’s what we wanted. And above all, not to lose, because we keep second place with one point more (than Rwanda) and a draw will be enough in the last match,’ said Rohr at his post-match press conference.

The Franco-German expressed surprise Libya went all the way to Rwanda to win, a feat he acknowledged the star-studded Super Eagles could not achieve.

‘We are still surprised by Libya’s victory in Rwanda. It’s not easy to win from there at an altitude of 1,600m. Even Nigeria didn’t win there. But we focused on our match and we will focus on the next match which will be very hot of course,’ he added.

Rohr is hoping to get the perfect referring his side got in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria when they play in Libya next week.

With seven points garnered, Benin only needs a draw against Libya to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.