The Guépards of Benin have been in Abidjan since Saturday, November 7, 2026, preparing for their upcoming matches against the Central African Republic in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. On Monday, November 9, 2026, the team held their first training session. The squad was partially complete due to the staggered arrivals of players.
National team coach Gernot Rohr described the session as unusual, citing that some players were still fatigued from their previous match or travel. He praised the excellent conditions provided in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting the quality of the facilities. Only 13 Guépards participated in the first on-field training session, with more players expected to join shortly.
To address the limited playing time of some team members, a specific program has been developed under the supervision of physical trainers. Central defender Mohamed Tijani expressed satisfaction with the team's atmosphere, noting that many players had already arrived. He emphasized the importance of preparation and analysis to deliver their best performance.
Team captain Sessi d'Almeida discussed his role in guiding younger talents and observed a strong collective cohesion. He also acknowledged the strength of the Central African Republic team, which has been bolstered by new players from top European leagues. Coach Gernot Rohr shared this assessment, noting that the opponent now has a seasoned squad.
The Guépards are continuing their daily preparations with the goal of successfully navigating this double confrontation. The team trained at the Lycée Classique de Cocody, with 13 players participating in the session. The full list of participants has been released, including Junior Olugbadé, Mohamed Tijani, and Sessi d'Almeida.
The Central African Republic team is considered a solid opponent, with several players from prominent European leagues. Coach Gernot Rohr and the Guépards are focused on analyzing their opponents and devising an effective strategy. The team's training sessions aim to fine-tune their skills and build cohesion.
The Guépards' preparation and performance in these qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. With a mix of experienced and young players, the team is working to develop a winning strategy against a formidable opponent.
Key points
- The Guépards have begun training in Abidjan for their CAN 2027 qualifier matches against the Central African Republic.
- Coach Gernot Rohr praised the training facilities in Côte d'Ivoire and emphasized the team's focus on preparation.
- The team is working to overcome the challenges posed by the Central African Republic, who have been strengthened by new players from European leagues.
