AFCON 2027: Benin already preparing for their clash with Burkina Faso

Interview

The Cheetahs have begun their preparations in Abidjan, with Rohr and Tijani already focused on this first encounter.

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AFCON 2027: Benin already preparing for their clash with Burkina Faso

25.09.26 15:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Burkina Faso

Benin

The Benin national team began its preparations this Monday, September 21, at Lycée Classique de Cocody in Côte d’Ivoire. For this first session, 13 players were present, while the remaining internationals, who had been involved with their clubs over the weekend, were expected to join the group gradually.

Rohr sets the tone ahead of Burkina Faso

Gernot Rohr explained that this first session was devoted to getting back into physical shape, technical work and developing the first collective automatisms.

We did some running, technical exercises and, above all, played to gradually rediscover our harmony in the game, our cohesion and also the joy of being together through football.

The German coach appreciates the atmosphere of the camp in Abidjan, even though he regrets still being unable to play in front of the Beninese public.

We would have preferred the atmosphere of Cotonou. To play a real home match, we have been waiting for that for three years.

Rohr nevertheless wants to use this camp to maintain positive momentum and help his team progress. He also knows that their first opponents, Burkina Faso, represent a significant challenge.

On paper, it is a difficult battle. But we will prepare well and do the best we can with our team and our level.

Mohamed Tijani wants to “give everything for the three points”

Back with the national team, Mohamed Tijani also shared his first impressions after the session. Like Rohr, Tijani is now waiting for the squad to be complete so they can step up their work ahead of the first match.

It feels really good to be back with the national team. We hope to be at full strength, start working and prepare well for the upcoming match against Burkina Faso.

The player is already looking ahead to the encounter and stresses the need to approach each stage seriously.

We will prepare well, take it one match at a time and analyse this Burkina Faso team. Then we will give everything for the three points.

Benin will face Burkina Faso on Friday, September 25, in their opening match of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Preparations continue in Abidjan, with the arrival of the remaining internationals and the squad gradually stepping up its work.