Will the Félix Houphouet Boigny stadium bring luck to the Beninese as usual?

The national team of Benin will host their South African counterparts at the Félix Houphouet Boigny stadium in Abidjan this Tuesday, March 25, 2025. For Beninese supporters, the venue of this clash suggests a victory for the Cheetahs as was the case in 2024.

Since they were forced to relocate their matches to Abidjan due to ongoing work at the Stade de l'Amitié Général Mathieu Kerekou, the Benin Cheetahs have found a true sanctuary at the Félix Houphouet Boigny stadium. Located in Côte d'Ivoire, Le Felicia has become a talisman for the Beninese team, which remains unbeaten there. But will this invincibility hold against South Africa this Tuesday, March 25?

An impressive record in Abidjan

It was in June 2024 that the Félix Houphouet Boigny stadium became the 'home stadium' for the Benin national team. For their debut, the Cheetahs hosted and defeated Rwanda on June 6 for the 3rd matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. A streak of invincibility was born that day. In five matches played, the Beninese players have recorded four wins and one draw:

Benin 1-0 against Rwanda (June 6, 2024)
Benin 2-1 against Nigeria (June 10, 2024)
Benin 2-1 against Libya (September 10, 2024)
Benin 3-0 against Rwanda (October 11, 2024)
Benin 1-1 against Nigeria (November 14, 2024)

This impressive record demonstrates the Cheetahs' ability to adapt and perform away from home. Coach Gernot Rohr and his men seem to have fully embraced this Ivorian stadium.

Will the Cheetahs maintain their unbeaten run in Abidjan against South Africa?

While Benin has proven to be strong in Abidjan, Tuesday's opponent on March 25 poses a serious challenge. The Bafana Bafana of South Africa are currently leaders of Group C with 10 points. They boast an experienced squad and are on a good run following their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. During the first matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the South Africans won 2-1 against the Beninese at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Against such an opponent, the Cheetahs will need to surpass themselves to extend their unbeaten streak.

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.