A few hours after Benin's defeat against Argentina (3-0), Gernot Rohr delivered his analysis of the performance of his players. Despite the result, the Guépards selector has several reasons for satisfaction, including the first period and the performance of young players. But the technician is already thinking of the CAN 2027 playoffs, with a double confrontation against the Central African Republic in November 2026.
A first period that satisfies Rohr
In front of Lionel Messi's Argentina, Benin resisted for a long time before finally bowing in the second period. For Gernot Rohr, the first half is one of the main reasons for satisfaction;" It was a good game, with a great first half in sport," said the Beninese picker.
In particular, the technician highlights the attitude of his young players, who have not hesitated to play forward. "Our young players have behaved well, they have projected themselves forward, offered counter-attacks and created opportunities," he explains.
The long journey weighed on the Guépards
However, Rohr believes that fatigue has gradually caught up with his team. After the first two days of the CAN 2027 playoffs, the Guépards had to make a long trip to Buenos Aires, with a passage through Paris;"The fatigue of this long journey, which lasted more than 24 hours through Paris, cost us a little bit of energy," he admits.
Some players arrived late in Argentina. The breeder cites Junior Olaïtan, Sahid N-Gobi and Charlemagne Azongnitode, who arrived the day before the meeting.
This fatigue added the quality of the opponent. "There was the class of this Argentine team. Not only Messi, but also the other players who have a global level, and that made the difference," Rohr says.
Mohamed Tijani particularly welcomed
Despite the defeat, the breeder especially welcomes the attitude of his group. He put forward Mohamed Tijani, who delivered a remarkable performance;"Even our boys who are without clubs responded present. Mohamed Tijani was exemplary," says Rohr.
The technician even believes that the defender's recent performance could open doors to him. "With performances like those he's made in the last three games, he should quickly have proposals," he adds.
Benin also had to compose without two important cadres, Captain Steve Mounié and Olivier Verdon. A situation which does not prevent Rohr from retaining the positive;"In the absence of Captain Steve Mounié and Olivier Verdon, we managed to do something that holds the road, which we can be satisfied with," he says.
Rohr is already thinking about the Central African Republic
After this particular international parenthesis in Buenos Aires, the Beninese breeder now wants to quickly turn the page of Argentina;The Guépards took four points in the first two days of the CAN 2027 playoffs and held a favourable position in Group F. The next deadline will be the dual confrontation against the Central African Republic, scheduled for November.
Rohr sums up the group's state of mind: "We're going back with pride, but we're already thinking about our next two meetings against the Central African Republic. »
For the Guépards, the goal will now be to turn this positive dynamic into results in the third and fourth playoffs.
