In a historic breakthrough on African football’s grandest stage, the Benin national team shed the weight of history with a narrow but monumental 1-0 victory over Botswana in their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group D clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympique Annexe in Rabat.
The decisive moment arrived in the 28th minute from an unlikely source, as left-back Yohan Roche found the net to deliver Benin its first-ever victory in the tournament’s history after 16 previous attempts ended without a win. This result dramatically resurrects the Cheetahs’ hopes of advancing to the knockout stages while leaving Botswana, under South African-born coach Morena Ramorobeli, staring at early elimination with two consecutive defeats.
The significance of the result for Benin cannot be overstated. Before this match, they held the unwanted distinction of being only the second team, after Mozambique, to have played 15 AFCON matches without registering a single victory.
The quest for that elusive win had become a burdensome narrative across five previous tournament appearances, stretching back to their debut. Coming into this pivotal encounter following a narrow opening defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, coach Gernot Rohr’s side was under immense pressure to perform.
In contrast, Botswana, appearing at their second AFCON and first since 2012, carried their own unfortunate record, having lost all four of their previous matches at the finals and desperate to change that statistic. The pre-match statistics painted a picture of two nations united by hunger but haunted by historical shortcomings, setting the stage for a tense and emotionally charged battle.
From the opening whistle, the match unfolded as a cagey affair, with both sides understandably aware of the high stakes. Benin, bolstered by the return of key personnel like captain and record scorer Steve Mounié, looked the more purposeful.
Their intent was signaled early when they had the ball in the net inside the first quarter of an hour, only for Aiyegun Tosin’s effort to be correctly ruled out for offside. The breakthrough, when it came, was a moment of fortune crafted from persistence. In the 28th minute, Yohan Roche, the left-back, combined with Mounié on the edge of the Botswana area.
After playing a one-two with his captain, Roche’s subsequent shot took a critical deflection off a Botswana defender, looping agonizingly over the reach of goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko and into the net. The goal sent the Beninese players and supporters into raptures, a release of decades of pent-up frustration and hope.
Botswana, to their credit, responded swiftly and came within inches of an immediate equalizer. Just seven minutes before halftime, Mothusi Johnson stepped up and curled a magnificent free-kick that beat everyone, only to crash against the crossbar and away to safety, a let-off that Benin would later recognize as a pivotal moment.
After the restart, Benin sought to consolidate their lead and put the game beyond doubt. Player Tamimou Ouorou was twice denied by the impressive Phoko, first from a long-range effort that required a full-stretch save and then from a closer-range shot that took another deflection.
The Botswana goalkeeper, who had made a tournament-record 14 saves in their opening 3-0 loss to Senegal, was again his team’s standout performer, keeping the Zebras within touching distance when the scoreline could have been more severe.
As the match wore on, Botswana coach Morena Ramorobeli, known for his tactical flexibility and ability to orchestrate upsets, made a triple substitution at halftime in a bold attempt to shift the game’s momentum. However, despite increased urgency, Botswana struggled to break down a resolute and disciplined Benin defensive unit.
The Cheetahs, marshaled by the experienced German coach Gernot Rohr, showcased a tactical maturity that has sometimes eluded them in the past. They dropped into a compact, low block, managed the game intelligently, and relied on quick transitions, a formula designed to protect their precious lead.
While Botswana enjoyed spells of possession, they lacked the clinical edge in the final third, a problem that also plagued them against Senegal where they failed to register a single shot on target. Benin’s defense, with goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou assured when called upon, held firm to preserve the clean sheet and secure the historic three points.
For Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr, this victory represents a proud and personal milestone. The 72-year-old German tactician, a former Bayern Munich and Bordeaux defender with a long and storied managerial career across Africa, took charge of Benin in February 2023.
Having previously guided Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON, Rohr’s vast experience in the tournament was instrumental in preparing his team for this high-pressure encounter. His ability to instill organization, resilience, and belief in a squad that carried the psychological baggage of never having won was ultimately the difference.
On the opposite touchline, Morena Ramorobeli, at 44 one of the youngest coaches at the tournament, faces a daunting task. Hired just days before the AFCON draw after successfully guiding the team through qualification, Ramorobeli earned his reputation by leading club side Jwaneng Galaxy to shock victories over continental giants like Orlando Pirates and Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Champions League.
However, translating that cup magic to the national team at this level has proven difficult, with Botswana now on the brink of another group-stage exit without a point.
For Benin, a world of possibility has opened up. With three points secured, their final Group D match against former champions Senegal in Tangier is transformed from a daunting prospect into a historic opportunity. While Senegal will be formidable opponents, Benin now knows that a positive result could very well secure their passage to the round of 16.
For Botswana, the dream of a first-ever knockout stage appearance is all but extinguished. They will finish their campaign against DR Congo in Rabat, playing for pride and the hope of securing a first-ever AFCON point or victory.