Benin secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Botswana in a tense Africa Cup of Nations Group D match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Yohan Roche’s decisive goal in the 28th minute proved enough to earn the Cheetahs all three points, keeping their hopes alive in the group stage. Despite Botswana’s late pressure and attempts to equalize, Benin held firm, demonstrating defensive discipline and tactical awareness under coach Gernot Rohr.
The match saw an intense start, with both teams vying for control in midfield.
Benin struck first after a long defensive pass found Roche, who capitalized on a deflection to slot the ball past the Botswana goalkeeper.
Throughout the second half, Botswana, managed by Morena Cuthbert Ramoreboli, pushed forward in search of a late equalizer. They had several promising opportunities, including a close-range rebound chance by Tamimou Ouorou that failed to find the net. However, Benin’s compact defensive setup and control over key moments in the match ensured the victory.
This result is significant for both teams. Benin, recovering from a narrow defeat to DR Congo in their opening match, gains confidence and momentum as they aim to advance from a challenging group. Botswana, returning to AFCON after a long absence, continues to struggle, extending their winless streak in the tournament.
The Cheetahs will now look ahead to their next group fixture, hoping to build on this hard-fought win.
