Benin Vs Rwanda

As the race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) heats up, Benin is set to host Rwanda in a highly anticipated Group D qualifying clash on Friday evening at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny. Both teams are eager to solidify their positions in the group, with Benin aiming to continue their momentum after a much-needed victory, while Rwanda is still seeking their first win in this qualifying campaign.

Benin's AFCON Journey So Far

Benin's AFCON qualifying journey began on a rocky note as they faced the formidable Nigerian national team, one of their West African rivals. In that Group D opener on September 7, 2024, Benin found themselves outclassed by a clinical Nigeria side that secured a 3-0 victory. The match was a humbling experience for the Cheetahs, as they struggled to contain Nigeria’s dynamic attack. Despite their best efforts, Gernot Rohr’s men were unable to find the back of the net, while defensive frailties allowed the Super Eagles to capitalize on their chances.

However, Benin showed great resilience in their next match, bouncing back with an impressive 2-1 victory against Libya. This result was crucial not only for their qualification hopes but also for restoring confidence within the squad. Benin found themselves trailing early in the match after Faisal Al Badri successfully converted a penalty for Libya in the ninth minute. It appeared as though the Cheetahs were heading for another frustrating outing, but the second half saw them mount a spirited comeback.

A key turning point came in the 54th minute when Steve Mounie, a towering presence in attack, headed home to draw Benin level. His goal injected new life into the team, and it wasn’t long before Benin found themselves awarded a penalty. Junior Olaitan stepped up to the spot and coolly slotted the ball past the Libyan goalkeeper, completing a remarkable turnaround. With that victory, Benin moved into second place in Group D, amassing three crucial points.

Benin's Prospects for AFCON Qualification

This victory over Libya has revitalized Benin’s hopes of securing a spot at the 2025 AFCON, a tournament they have failed to qualify for since their impressive quarter-final finish in Egypt in 2019. With three points on the board, the Cheetahs will now look to make the most of their upcoming double-header against Rwanda, a team they have enjoyed success against in recent years.

Benin’s current position in the group standings gives them a strong platform, but with just two games played, the race is far from over. Securing maximum points from their two encounters with Rwanda would not only keep them in the hunt for qualification but could potentially edge them closer to booking their ticket to the prestigious continental competition. Gernot Rohr and his squad are well aware of the stakes, and Friday’s clash represents a golden opportunity for them to solidify their position.

The Cheetahs have been in strong form in recent fixtures against Rwanda, boasting a five-match unbeaten run against the Wasps. Their most recent encounter came during a World Cup qualifying match in June 2024, where Benin triumphed with a 1-0 victory on home soil. That win will be fresh in the minds of the Beninese players, who will be confident in their ability to replicate the result when they take to the field on Friday evening.

The Road Ahead: Double-Header Against Rwanda

Looking ahead, Benin’s success in this AFCON qualifying campaign will largely hinge on their performances in this crucial double-header against Rwanda. The first of these encounters takes place at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and securing a win in front of their home fans would be a significant step towards qualification. However, they will also need to be cautious of Rwanda’s resilience, as the Wasps have proven to be difficult opponents to break down.

Benin’s key players, such as Steve Mounie and Junior Olaitan, will once again need to step up and deliver. Mounie, who plies his trade with French club Stade Brestois, is a proven goalscorer and has been instrumental in Benin’s recent successes. His aerial ability and physical presence make him a constant threat in the opposition box. Meanwhile, Olaitan, who demonstrated his composure from the penalty spot against Libya, will be tasked with orchestrating Benin’s attacking play from midfield.

Defensively, Benin will need to tighten up if they are to avoid conceding early, as they did against both Nigeria and Libya. Gernot Rohr will likely emphasize the importance of maintaining focus and discipline at the back, especially against a Rwanda side that has been tough to break down in their recent matches.

Rwanda's Quest for a Historic AFCON Appearance

On the other side of the pitch, Rwanda arrives in Benin with their own ambitions of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON. The Wasps have only ever appeared in the Africa Cup of Nations once, back in 2004 when Tunisia hosted the tournament. That campaign saw Rwanda narrowly miss out on a place in the knockout stages, with a record of one win, one draw, and one defeat in the group phase. Since then, Rwanda has struggled to make a significant impact on the continental stage, but under the guidance of German coach Torsten Spittler, there is renewed hope for the future.

Rwanda's AFCON qualifying campaign began positively, as they held Libya to a 1-1 draw in Tripoli. A resilient defensive display coupled with a well-taken goal gave the Wasps a valuable point on the road. They followed this up with an even more impressive result, earning a goalless draw against Nigeria, one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses. Despite being underdogs in both matches, Rwanda managed to come away unbeaten, showcasing their defensive solidity and tactical discipline.

Torsten Spittler's Impact on Rwanda

Since taking charge of the Rwandan national team in November 2023, Torsten Spittler has overseen a remarkable transformation in the team’s fortunes. Under his stewardship, Rwanda has become a much more difficult side to beat, losing just once in their last eight matches. In that time, they have recorded three wins and four draws, a record that speaks to their growing confidence and cohesion as a unit.

Spittler’s tactical approach has emphasized organization and defensive stability, which has allowed Rwanda to punch above their weight in recent encounters. The German coach’s influence has been particularly evident in Rwanda’s unbeaten start to the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, where they have held both Libya and Nigeria to draws. However, the Wasps will now need to find a way to turn those draws into victories if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Rwanda’s Hopes of Replicating Past Success

Friday’s match against Benin represents a crucial opportunity for Rwanda to pick up their first win of the qualifying campaign. The Wasps have fond memories of playing against Benin in AFCON qualifiers, having secured a 1-0 away victory against the Cheetahs back in 2011. That result remains one of Rwanda’s most notable achievements in recent years, and they will be hoping to draw inspiration from it as they prepare to face Benin once again.

Rwanda’s recent form under Spittler suggests that they are more than capable of causing an upset, even on Benin’s home turf. With two points from their first two matches, the Wasps remain unbeaten in this qualifying campaign, but they will be eager to register a victory that could propel them up the Group D standings. A win in Cotonou would not only enhance their qualification prospects but also send a strong message to the rest of the group.

Key Players to Watch

As both teams gear up for this pivotal encounter, several key players are expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the match. For Benin, Steve Mounie will be the focal point of their attack, with his ability to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play likely to be crucial. Junior Olaitan, who has been in fine form for his club and country, will also be a player to watch, particularly in the midfield battle.

For Rwanda, much will depend on their defensive organization, and captain Haruna Niyonzima will be expected to lead by example. The veteran midfielder brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be tasked with dictating the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, striker Meddie Kagere, who has been a consistent goal threat for Rwanda, will be looking to make the difference in the final third.

Conclusion

As the 2025 AFCON qualifiers continue, both Benin and Rwanda are fully aware of the importance of Friday’s match. Benin will be determined to build on their recent victory over Libya, while Rwanda will be eager to secure their first win of the campaign. With both teams possessing quality players and solid tactical setups, this encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair. Whether Benin can maintain their unbeaten run against the Wasps or Rwanda can pull off a shock victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for AFCON qualification is about to get even more intense.