AFCON 2027: Benin vs Central African Republic, Gernot Rohr expects a tough test

Interview

“It won’t be the same team we saw play against Mauritania.”

AFCON Today at 12:15

Add Foot Africa on Google

AFCON 2027: Benin vs Central African Republic, Gernot Rohr expects a tough test

12.11.26 15:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Benin

Central African Republic

Gernot Rohr knows Benin will have to be wary of the Central African Republic. Ahead of the two-legged clash between the sides, which forms part of the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for AFCON 2027, the Guépards’ coach highlighted the reinforcements his upcoming opponents will have at their disposal.

“They’ll have a full squad”

For Gernot Rohr, the Central African Republic will look different from the team that took the field in its previous matches. The coach specifically mentioned the returns of Geoffrey Kondogbia, who plays for Olympique de Marseille, and Louis Mafouta, a striker for Le Mans. Several players who were previously suspended will also be available. In addition, four players are currently playing in the French second division:

They’re getting back players who play for Olympique de Marseille, like Kondogbia. They’re also getting Mafouta back, who plays for Le Mans. These are top-level players.

He went on to warn: “It won’t be the same team we saw play against Mauritania. This time, they’ll have a full squad. They won’t be easy to beat.”

A two-legged clash in November

The Guépards will face the Fauves twice during this international window. The first match will be played on November 12 in Abidjan, followed by a second fixture scheduled for November 16 in Douala. Benin’s preparations officially began this Monday in Abidjan.

🚨🗣️ Gernot Rohr s’attend à un match difficile face à la Centrafrique 🇨🇫 : « Ils récupèrent des joueurs qui évoluent à l’Olympique de Marseille, comme Kondogbia. Ils récupèrent aussi Mafouta, qui joue au Mans. Ce sont des joueurs de haut niveau. Ils récupèrent également des joueurs qui étaient suspendus. Ils ont quatre joueurs qui évoluent en deuxième division française. Ce ne sera pas la même équipe que celle qu’on a vue jouer contre la Mauritanie. Là, ils sont au complet. Ça ne va pas être facile de les battre. »
— Joueurs Béninois 🇧🇯 (@JoueursBJ) November 10, 2026

With four points from their first two matches, Benin currently top their group, level on points with Burkina Faso. Gernot Rohr’s men will be keen to maintain that momentum. But against a strengthened Central African Republic side determined to revive its campaign, the Guépards will need to show concentration and discipline in both matches.

This article follows our newsroom’s editorial standards. To learn more about how we create and fact-check our content, see our Editorial Policy .