Morocco vs Benin: New faces expected in the Cheetahs' starting eleven

On the evening of June 9, 2025, the Cheetahs of Benin will square off against Morocco's Atlas Lions at 9 p.m. at the Stade de Fès in a friendly where Gernot Rohr may surprise with some bold changes to his starting lineup.

Six years after their last clash in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Benin faces Morocco again today in Fez. While the match is officially a friendly, both teams have plenty at stake beneath the surface. But before kickoff, all eyes will be on the lineup choices made by Benin's head coach, Gernot Rohr, for this encounter.

A 4-4-2 to replace the traditional 4-3-3

Known for his tactical rigidity, the Franco-German manager Gernot Rohr might be tempted to set aside his usual principles and opt for a two-striker formation. In this scenario, the 71-year-old could pair captain Steve Mounié up front with the young Candas Fiogbe to form a potentially lethal partnership.

In midfield, we could see a quartet featuring two wide midfielders, a holding midfielder, and a defensive anchor: Sessi d’Almeida, Rodolfo Aloko—earning his first senior cap after shining with the U-20s in 2023—alongside Junior Olaïtan and Dodo Dokou on the flanks. The backline is expected to be marshaled by Olivier Verdon, joined by the imposing Mohamed Tijani, Yohan Roche, and Ouorou Tamimou. No changes are anticipated in goal, with Marcel Dandjinou, the undisputed starter since March 2024, expected to keep his place. It's a completely new-look eleven from Gernot Rohr to take on a Moroccan side in red-hot form.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.