Gernot Rohr after Benin-Central African Republic: “My team is making progress”

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Despite the Cheetahs’ 4-1 win, the coach says the match was difficult.

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Gernot Rohr after Benin-Central African Republic: “My team is making progress”

12.11.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Benin

Central African Republic

Gernot Rohr is refusing to get carried away after Benin’s emphatic 4-1 win over the Central African Republic. Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Cheetahs’ coach praised his players’ performance, while pointing out that the scoreline did not fully reflect how the match unfolded.

“My team is making progress”

For Gernot Rohr, the victory was the result of careful tactical preparation. The coach had anticipated a highly attacking Central African Republic side, forced to go in search of a result. The Cheetahs were therefore able to take advantage of the space their opponents left behind and launch quick counter-attacks:

It wasn’t easy. The result doesn’t quite tell the whole story because the Central African Republic attacked a lot, a lot.

The coach also praised his players’ response after the Central African Republic equalised. In his view, that attitude is confirmation of the group’s progress. He was quick to point out, however, that there is still work to be done.

Defensive discipline at the heart of his satisfaction

The coach also stressed the importance of winning duels and avoiding fouls in the box. Having conceded four penalties in their previous three matches, the Cheetahs had specifically worked on this aspect:

We had to win our duels without committing fouls. […] Despite the fighting spirit we showed today, we didn’t make the kind of mistake that can be fatal.

In the absence of Steve Mounié, Rohr also observed a change in Benin’s play, which he said had become more composed and more focused on combinations on the ground.

“Above all, we must not get carried away”

Despite the scoreline, Gernot Rohr is already looking ahead to the next fixture. The two teams are due to meet again next Monday in Douala for the return leg. The coach expects a response from the Central African Republic, who will be playing for a significant part of their remaining hopes in these qualifiers.

When you win a match 4-1, above all, you must not get carried away. When you play the same team again four days later, you have to expect a response.

Benin will therefore need to maintain the same level of concentration as they look to secure a positive result. With seven points after three matchdays, the Cheetahs top Group F, having recorded two wins and one draw.

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