Benin Aims to Make an Impact at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Benin is poised to make a significant impression at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco as the team prepares for its fifth appearance in the continent's premier football tournament.

The Cheetahs made their finals debut in 2004, but recent years have been challenging, with the team failing to qualify for both the 2021 and 2023 editions.

After narrowly missing out on their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification, assistant coach and head scout Tunde Adelakun seeks to draw inspiration from their best Afcon performance in 2019, when Benin reached the quarter-finals.

"I want my team to play good football and show the clubs that it was worthwhile to release the players during such a challenging time of the season," Adelakun told BBC Sport Africa.

"I would love to win the tournament. The journey will be tough, but I have seven Afcon finals to navigate with this group."

Head coach Gernot Rohr has named a squad primarily composed of players who excelled during the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with captain Steve Mounie leading the team.

During that campaign, Benin came agonizingly close to securing their first World Cup berth, only to suffer heartbreak on the final matchday against Nigeria, ultimately finishing behind group winners South Africa.

Now in Morocco, the West Africans will face Senegal, DR Congo, and Botswana in Group D, eager to transform their disappointments into a memorable Afcon experience.

"Missing out on World Cup qualification was a bitter pill to swallow," Adelakun admitted. "We have moved on; there are no regrets, and we are proud of our achievements. It’s time to step onto the African stage and demonstrate our capabilities to the world."

A Group Full of Quality

Benin holds a unique place in Afcon history as the first team to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament without winning a single match. In the 2019 edition, the Cheetahs drew all three of their group stage matches, progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The West Africans upset Morocco in the round of 16, drawing 1–1 after extra time before claiming a memorable 4–1 victory in the penalty shootout. However, their run ended in the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by eventual runners-up Senegal.

Adelakun is fully aware of the challenges ahead in North Africa. "We know what we are up against. We played Senegal about a year and a half ago in a friendly, and we gave them a tough match. These players are fired up; they understand that this is their opportunity to shine."

Benin will kick off their campaign on Tuesday, December 23, against DR Congo, a team that has triumphed over heavyweight opponents like Cameroon and Nigeria in the continental playoffs for next year's World Cup in North America.

"DR Congo has a rich pedigree," Adelakun acknowledged. "This is a team with quality across every position. We have prepared well and know what they are capable of."

The Nigerian Influence

Players of Nigerian descent, such as Junior Olaitan and Tosin Aiyegun, have become influential figures within the Benin national team, playing pivotal roles in the squad's recent progress. Adelakun, who is Nigerian himself and previously served on Rohr's coaching staff with the Super Eagles, described these players as "competitive" and possessing a strong desire to win.

"These players have the DNA of Nigeria," Adelakun revealed. "They are part of a team that has what it takes to make an impact." While he appreciates the privilege of having players of Nigerian origin in the squad, Adelakun emphasizes the similarities between them and their Beninese teammates, highlighting their shared mentality, commitment, and unity.

"We share the same physical attributes and mentality," he explained. "It’s a great mix of the original Beninese core and players of Nigerian descent. This blend is bringing out the best in Benin football."

Benin Aims to Make an Impact at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

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