Benin's head coach Gernot Rohr reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group D football match between Benin and Botswana at Rabat Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Photo: AFP
Benin coach Gernot Rohr has warned of the strength of the Egyptian national team, stressing that Egypt is not just about Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
The Pharaohs will face Benin on Monday in the Round of 16 of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Egypt advanced to the knockout stage after topping Group B with seven points, while Benin progressed as third in Group D with three points, four behind leaders Senegal and DR Congo.
“We are now in the Nations Cup Round of 16 and we will face Egypt,” Rohr told reporters on Thursday.
“It will be a tough game against a great team. We know Egypt’s stars.”
“But we also know the other players, not just Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush,” he added. “The game will be very difficult for us, but as the underdogs, we still have our chances.”
The German coach noted that his team is familiar with Egypt’s squad, with three of his players having experience in the Egyptian league.
These include Smouha defensive midfielder Samadou Attidjikou, along with Dodo Dokou and Hassane Imourane, who both previously played for Smouha and Modern FC before leaving Egypt.
Rohr expressed pride in leading Benin to their first-ever win at the Nations Cup, saying he aims to make history for the country.
Benin’s 1-0 victory over Botswana in the group stage marked their first-ever win in the competition since their debut in 2004.
The country has competed in the tournament five times, with a record of one win, five draws, and 11 losses across 17 matches.
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