Benin head coach Gernot Rohr on Sunday described the four-year cycle of the Africa Cup of Nations as “unfortunate”, as his side prepare to face Egypt in the Round of 16.
Benin take on Egypt national football team in a knockout tie that Rohr expects to be “extremely difficult”, acknowledging Egypt’s status as favourites while insisting his players will compete for their chance to progress.
“We expect an extremely difficult match against a very high-level opponent,” Rohr told a pre-match press conference.
“We have gained some experience against big teams, and I hope it will benefit us. We are not the favourites, but that does not prevent us from playing for our opportunity.”
The German coach said Benin face injury concerns and a suspension, but remain highly motivated.
“This is the kind of a match players want to play,” he said, adding that reports of large bonuses for qualification had not been confirmed. “If we beat Egypt, the players would deserve a reward.”
Rohr criticised the spacing of the tournament, arguing that the Africa Cup of Nations deserved more regular staging.
“It is unfortunate that the tournament is held every four years, because AFCON is not the Olympics,” he said. “It is more than just matches because of the African atmosphere, and that excitement should be preserved.”
He also pointed to challenges linked to hosting the competition in North Africa during winter, citing cold weather, rainfall and the difficulty of playing during Christmas and early January, when players and coaches are away from their families. “Football requires adaptation,” he said.
Rohr noted a mix of experience and youth in his squad, recalling Benin’s run to the quarter-finals in Egypt in 2019.
“Now we want to achieve that in Morocco against Egypt,” he said, stressing that knockout matches differ significantly from group-stage encounters.
“You cannot expect a weak opponent when you finish third in the group,” Rohr added. “All expectations are in Egypt’s favour, and we want to prove those expectations wrong.”
Benin qualified for the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, while Egypt advanced as group winners.
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