Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr insists his side remain firmly in contention to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, backing the Cheetahs to overtake Group C leaders South Africa in the final stretch of the qualifiers.
Rohr’s optimism comes after his team produced a statement performance on Tuesday, dismantling Lesotho 4-0 in Cotonou to reignite their campaign. The emphatic victory moved Benin onto 14 points, restoring them to second place in the standings and trimming South Africa’s lead to just three points with two matches remaining.
Rohr Points to FIFA Eligibility Dispute
In his post-match press conference, the former Nigeria and Gabon coach highlighted the ongoing uncertainty surrounding South Africa’s qualification status, following allegations of fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a March victory against Lesotho.
💬 “If everything goes well, we’ll be level on points with South Africa, who should lose three points according to the regulations, because of that player who wasn’t eligible to play,” Rohr argued.
💬 “I don’t understand why FIFA hasn’t made a decision yet, but it’s very clear in the rules. If that decision is enforced, then we are level, and everything is still possible.”
Group C Picture Tightens
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles held South Africa to a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein, a result that prevented Bafana Bafana from pulling further clear at the summit.
With two rounds left to play in October, Group C remains delicately poised:
- South Africa sit top on 17 points (pending FIFA’s ruling).
- Benin Republic trail closely with 14 points.
- Nigeria remain third after their stalemate in Bloemfontein.
Road Ahead
For Rohr, who masterminded Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup, the message is clear: Benin’s fate is still in their hands, provided they can sustain their momentum and take advantage of any potential sanction against South Africa.
“We just need to stay focused, win our remaining games, and be ready for any scenario. The dream of playing at the World Cup is alive,” Rohr concluded.
