Benin coach Gernot Rohr cautions squad after Bafana Bafana points drama

Benin coach Gernot Rohr cautions squad after Bafana Bafana points drama

The Cheetahs find themselves on top of Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after South Africa were stripped of three points for fielding an ineligible player during a 2-0 win against Lesotho in March.

Furthermore, FIFA also handed Lesotho a 3-0 victory for the clash, which led to Bafana Bafana slipping into second spot behind Benin due to an inferior goal difference.

"We'll approach the last two matchdays with great humility," said Rohr according to Foot-Africa.

"We still have two extremely tough matches, away to Rwanda and Nigeria. 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."

Benin will need to win both matches and ensure a superior goal difference to South Africa in order to secure the country's first qualification to the global tournament.

"It's a small miracle to still have a chance in these conditions. But it will be extremely difficult given our schedule," added the German coach.

"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."

The Cheetahs will face Rwanda on Friday next week at the Amohoro Stadium before travelling to face The Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium four days later. 

Related News

Kylian Mbappe: Working With Zinedine Zidane for France is 'like a film'

Kylian Mbappe: Working With Zinedine Zidane for France is 'like a film'

  • 19 hours ago

Kylian Mbappe has described the prospect of playing under Zinedine Zidane for France as a remarkable full-circle moment, recalling that the legendary midfielder was already part of his football journey when he was a teenager.

Luther Singh says he never gave up on Bafana dream after long-awaited recall

Luther Singh says he never gave up on Bafana dream after long-awaited recall

  • 22 hours ago

Luther Singh insists he always believed he would return to the Bafana Bafana set-up.

Pitso Mosimane expects injured Lebohang Maboe to feature for Bafana

Pitso Mosimane expects injured Lebohang Maboe to feature for Bafana

  • 1 day ago

Pitso Mosimane has explained why Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad despite carrying an injury.

Ouaddou praises Orlando Pirates star Seema after Bafana call-up

Ouaddou praises Orlando Pirates star Seema after Bafana call-up

  • 3 days ago

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has heaped praise on defender Lebone Seema's work ethic following his maiden call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad.