'Even Nigeria didn't win there' - Benin coach Rohr surprised by Libya's victory in Rwanda

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed his satisfaction with his side's 1-1 draw with the Super Eagles in the matchday five fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, played at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny on Thursday night.

However, the German football tactician was surprised by Libya's victory against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali on Thursday, noting that the Super Eagles were forced to a goalless draw by the Wasps back in September. 

With third-placed Rwanda losing to Libya, the Cheetahs needed a victory against Nigeria to secure their spot at the 2025 AFCON.

Mohamed Tijani gave them the lead in the 16th minute and they were close to getting the maximum points before Victor Osimhen stepped up to bag a point for the 2023 AFCON silver medalist, heading the ball home from Moses Simon's cross.

The draw meant Benin have to avoid losing by more than two goals in their last game against Libya to secure qualification, and hope Rwanda are unable to beat Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Speaking after his side secured a point against the Super Eagles, Rohr revealed that all they wanted was not to lose the fixture and admitted that Libya's win in Rwanda came as a surprise. 

The German tactician was quoted as saying by Benin Web TV: "The message was clear, if we win, we were qualified. That's what we wanted. And above all, not to lose, because we are holding on to second place with one more point (than Rwanda) and a draw will be enough in the last match. We are also a bit like accountants. "

Rohr added: "We were still surprised by Libya's victory in Rwanda. It's not easy to win from there at 1,600 m altitude. Even Nigeria didn't win there. 

"But we focused on our match and we're going to focus on the next match which is going to be very hot obviously ."

The Cheetahs have missed the last two editions of the continent's biggest football community but are now in a good position to secure participation in the competition for the fifth time in the country's history.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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