The Benin national team, known as the Guépards, will take on Burkina Faso's Étalons in the first match of the Can 2027 qualifiers on September 25, 2026, at the Stade du 4-Août in Ouagadougou. This encounter marks the beginning of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Benin's coach, Gernot Rohr, acknowledges the challenging task ahead, given the significant gap in rankings between the two teams.
According to Coach Rohr, there is a considerable difference in rankings between Benin and Burkina Faso, with the latter holding a higher position in both the Fifa and Caf rankings. Despite this, Rohr remains optimistic about his team's chances, citing their youthful squad and previous honorable performance in the Can. He emphasized that the team aims to secure a positive result, whether it be a draw or a win.
The match assumes greater significance given the context of Group F, where Mauritania has already taken the lead by defeating the Central African Republic 3-1. To avoid falling behind, Benin seeks to secure at least a draw against Burkina Faso. This encounter also presents an opportunity for the Guépards to avenge their previous 3-0 loss to the Étalons in a friendly match on November 18, 2025, in Morocco.
Sessi d'Almeida will lead the Benin team onto the field as captain. The 30-year-old midfielder, who has been part of the national team since the age of 19, expressed his commitment to guiding his teammates with his natural abilities. He emphasized that he will not change his approach and will give his all in the upcoming matches.
Coach Rohr's confidence in his team is evident, despite the perceived disparity in quality between the two teams. He highlighted that Benin's team, although young, has the potential to achieve good results. The team's strategy will focus on maximizing their chances and aiming for a positive outcome.
The match between Burkina Faso and Benin is set to kick off at 19h local time, which is equivalent to 20h in Cotonou. The outcome of this encounter will significantly impact the standings in Group F, with both teams seeking to make a strong start to their Can 2027 qualifying campaign.
The Guépards' performance in this match will be crucial in determining their prospects in the Can 2027 qualifiers. With a strong display, Benin can make a statement and set the tone for their future matches in the group. The team's ability to secure a positive result against a higher-ranked opponent will be a significant test of their skills and determination.
Key points
- Benin's national team, the Guépards, face a challenging task against Burkina Faso in the Can 2027 qualifiers.
- Coach Gernot Rohr remains optimistic about his team's chances despite the ranking disparity.
- The match assumes significance given the context of Group F and Benin's desire to avenge their previous loss.
