AFCON: Roche strike hands Benin historic first Afcon victory

Benin claimed the first Africa Cup of Nations win in their history as Yohan Roche’s deflected first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory and three vital points in Group D of the 2025 tournament in Rabat, Sport360NG reports.

The defender finished off a slick exchange with captain Steve Mounie, who returned to the starting line-up after missing Benin’s opening defeat by DR Congo, lifting a looping effort from inside the area over Botswana goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.

The goal proved decisive and marked a landmark moment for the Cheetahs, ending a long wait for success at the continental finals after 15 previous Afcon matches across five tournaments without a win in normal time.

Botswana were close to responding almost immediately, with Mothusi Johnson’s curling free-kick crashing against the crossbar, but they were unable to find an equaliser in what became their second defeat of the group stage.

Phoko kept the scoreline respectable after the interval, producing two sharp saves to deny Tamimou Ouorou and reacting quickly when another effort from the Benin right-back took a heavy touch off Johnson.

Both sides complete their Group D campaigns on Tuesday, with Benin travelling to Tangier to face Senegal while Botswana meet DR Congo in Rabat. Senegal and DR Congo, who each have three points, are set to face each other later on Saturday.

Benin finally break Afcon hoodoo

The result was a significant boost for Benin coach Gernot Rohr, who was able to recall several key players after injuries and suspensions weakened his side in their opening loss. Mounie, goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, centre-back Mohamed Tijani and winger Junior Olaitan were all restored to the line-up.

Botswana, under new coach Morena Ramoreboli, also went into the match seeking a maiden Afcon win and handed a start to 19-year-old forward Losika Ratshukudu. The Zebras nearly struck early when Tumisang Orebonye volleyed over from close range, but they struggled to build sustained pressure.

Benin grew in confidence as the first half wore on, with Sessi D’Almeida controlling the midfield and providing the platform for Roche’s decisive contribution. Despite a triple substitution at half-time by Ramoreboli, Botswana were unable to wrest back control.

Only Phoko’s performance prevented a more comfortable victory for Benin, with Dodo Dokou firing over the bar late on when clean through on goal.

With third place in the group potentially enough to progress, Benin will hope this historic win can propel them into the knockout stages, as it did in 2019 when they advanced from the group before famously eliminating Morocco on penalties.

Having finally ended their Afcon wait for a win, Rohr’s side will now look to build on this breakthrough as the tournament continues in Morocco.