Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with key forwards Junior Olaitan and Tosin Aiyegun among the headline inclusions.
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The Cheetahs will further trim the list to the mandatory 28 players before the tournament kicks off in Morocco on 21 December.
The squad announcement comes ahead of Benin’s intensive training camp scheduled for 10 December in Ben Slimane, Morocco.
According to Rohr, the extended list is designed to provide depth and cover as the team manages injuries, suspensions and late fitness concerns.
The German tactician revealed that he initially shortlisted 50 players before narrowing the group to 30.
One of the standout selections is centre-back Charlemagne Azongnitodé, who earns his maiden senior call-up after a stellar run with AC Oulu in Finland.
His rise has impressed Rohr’s technical staff, who see him as a strong candidate for Benin’s future defensive spine.
Meanwhile, Rohr has retained the core of his experienced squad. Striker Steve Mounié makes a welcome return from injury to lead the attack, while Rodolfo Aloko also rejoins the team following recovery.
The likes of Santos Felipe, Adam Akimey and Mariano Ahouangbo, all previously tested in international camps, keep their places.
Benin face Senegal in their final Group Stage game on 30 December, and Rohr insists his goal is to arrive in Morocco with “at least 26 or 27 fit players,” especially with five players suspended for the opening match.
He emphasised that the expanded squad is to ensure the Cheetahs avoid “any unpleasant surprises” during their preparations.
Morocco Camp to Decide Final Selection
The Ben Slimane training camp will provide Rohr and his staff with the opportunity to assess fitness levels, sharpen tactical execution and build team cohesion before deciding the final 28-man group. Veterans Steve Mounié, Olivier Verdon and Yohan Roche are expected to lead the team’s structure, while Sessi D’Almeida, Mattéo Ahlinvi and Dodo Dokou anchor the midfield.
Benin head into AFCON 2025 seeking to continue their recent developmental stride, with Rohr aiming for increased competitiveness and solidity in what is expected to be a demanding Group D campaign.
Benin Republic’s 30-Man Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Dandjinou Marcel, Allagbé Saturnin, Obassa Serge
Defenders:
Attidjikou Samadou, Azongnitodé Charlemagne, Fassinou Rodrigue, Kiki David, Moumini Rachid, Ouorou Tamimou, Yohan Roche, Tijani Mohamed, Verdon Olivier
Midfielders:
Ahlinvi Mattéo, Ahouangbo Mariano, Ahoudo Gislain, D’Almeida Sessi, Dokou Dodo, Hassane Imourane, Kossi Rodrigue
Forwards:
Akimey Adam, Aloko Rodolfo, Amoussou Romaric, Dossou Jodel, Hountondji Andreas, Mounié Steve, Olaïtan Junior, Rachidou Razack, Santos Felipe, Tessilimi Olatoundji, Tosin Aiyegun
