Veteran of Benin’s national team, Stéphane Sessegnon, has been selected for the final qualifying match of CAN 2023 against Mozambique on September 9th. In a press conference this Thursday, coach Gernot Rohr justified his choice.
Benin is vying for qualification to the upcoming CAN 2023, which will take place in Côte d’Ivoire, on September 9th. Playing away against Mozambique, the Beninese team, known as the Cheetahs, must secure a victory to secure their ticket to the grand African football event. To achieve this, the national team coach, Gernot Rohr, placed his trust in a squad of 25 players, revealed on Thursday, including the veteran Stéphane Sessegnon. During the press conference, the head of the Beninese national team explained his decision.
“The presence of Stéphane Sessegnon is justified by the fact that he has undergone a very intensive physical training program… He had a program that allowed him to stay in shape, not gain weight, and maintain his rhythm. He even played a few matches with teams that were not broadcast,” Gernot Rohr stated.
He further added, “In the absence of Khaled Adenon, who is suspended, Stéphane is also the natural leader of this young group. I say young because there are six U20 players and half a dozen local players in this group. Under these circumstances, we need a guide on and off the field.”
Gernot Rohr went on to mention that Stéphane Sessegnon is most likely not going to start against Mozambique, but he will be valuable on the bench to motivate his teammates. The Benin coach also revealed that it is not ruled out that the former PSG player might find a club before the end of the transfer window, which will extend beyond September 1st in several countries.
