Benin Cheetahs: the leap of Rachidou Razack

Sunday, May 25, 2025, will forever be etched in Rachidou Razack’s memory. That morning, he learned of his call-up to the Benin Cheetahs squad for the upcoming friendly against Morocco in Rabat. In the afternoon, he found the back of the net in the league—right in front of head coach Gernot Rohr, his assistant Moussa Latoundji, and Raymond Tchayé, the new U20 manager. It felt like destiny was calling.

Born in Djougou, Rachidou Razack is a young striker first spotted four years ago by Lionel Affantondji, a scout for Fella Sport Management. He joined Sobemap Sports, where he honed his skills. With Benin’s U20 team, he made his mark at the UFOA B tournament in Lomé in October 2024. Named man of the match against Ghana, he lived up to expectations. This season: three goals, two assists, and promising trials in Europe.

At the press conference, Gernot Rohr explained his decision:

Razack Rachidou has earned his chance. We liked what we saw in the matches we observed. We always keep an eye on the U20s.

Lionel Affantondji, the scout who discovered him more than 500 km from Cotonou, is equally convinced of his potential:

Razack Rachidou is the future of our football. He’s a player I found and brought to Sobemap FC four years ago. He’s incredible. He’s energetic, he’s fast, he can still improve his physical attributes, but he’s a very intelligent player. He’s really technical. He knows how to play within a team. And when he sees there’s no space to take risks, he knows how to slow things down and play with the team. He’s aggressive.

At just 18 years old, Rachidou Razack is making a leap into a new world—the world of the elite. Now it’s up to him to seize the opportunity and make the most of it.

Aliou Toundé |

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