Exclusive - World Cup 2026: Gernot Rohr reacts to FIFA's sanction against South Africa

For fielding Teboho Mokoena, deemed ineligible, during the match against Lesotho on March 21, FIFA has handed South Africa a forfeit defeat (0-3). This decision has completely shaken up the standings in Group C. But for Gernot Rohr, head coach of Benin, now is not the time for euphoria.

The Benin Cheetahs move ahead of Bafana Bafana

With this ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, the group C table has been turned upside down: Benin climbs to first place with 14 points (+4), just ahead of South Africa (14 points, +3). Nigeria (11 points) and Rwanda (11 points) remain in contention, while Lesotho (9 points) also revives its hopes.

Gernot Rohr's reaction

Speaking with Foot-Africa, Benin coach Gernot Rohr made it clear he intends to remain level-headed despite this unexpected boost:

We’ll approach the last two matchdays with great humility. We still have two extremely tough matches, away to Rwanda and Nigeria. Meanwhile, South Africa will play twice at home. In fact, out of their ten matches, they will have played seven in South Africa. As for us, for the past two and a half years, we haven’t played a single game in Benin. All our matches have been away.

The Franco-German tactician nonetheless acknowledges this stroke of luck:

It’s a small miracle to still have a chance in these conditions. But it will be extremely difficult given our schedule. We’ll remain determined, of course. Maybe it’s a twist of fate. It’s up to us to make the most of it, even if it’s going to be very, very tough.

A tighter Group C than ever

This decision has completely reignited the battle in Group C. Benin, long trailing behind, now sees their qualification chances increase, but nothing is settled yet. The Cheetahs will have to seize their destiny away from home, facing two formidable opponents. First in Rwanda. Then in Nigeria.

The FIFA sanction is certainly a turning point, but as Gernot Rohr emphasized, "nothing is guaranteed" and only the truth on the pitch will matter in this final stretch. All eyes will be on October to see if Benin can turn this disciplinary advantage from FIFA into results on the field.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr