In a press conference on Friday in Maputo, Gernot Rohr discussed the match against Mozambique in the qualification for the 2023 AFCON. And the coach of Benin expects a tough match against the Mambas.
The Beninese team arrived in Maputo, Mozambique on Thursday evening. The group will face the Mambas on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in the sixth round of qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON. It is the last chance for the Guépards (Cheetahs) who need to secure a victory to secure their place in the African competition, which will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Côte d’Ivoire.
During the press conference on Friday, head coach Gernot Rohr talked about the team’s objective for this matchup. And the Franco-German coach assured that his team came as conquerors.
“I think yes, the team is ready. We had a relatively easy trip. We were able to have a direct flight without stopping in other countries. So, we arrived in good conditions. The team had a rest, and today we had a light training session. We will approach this match as conquerors,” said Rohr, as reported by the FBF (Benin Football Federation).
However, far from underestimating the Mozambican team, the former Super Eagles coach expects a difficult match against the Mambas, who defeated the Guépards 1-0 in Cotonou last June.
“The objective is victory! Of course, it is the only chance to be at the AFCON, the African Cup of Nations. Therefore, our objective is victory. We know it’s not going to be simple. Here, we have a good team that plays good football. We saw it last time because I wasn’t there for the first match where this team won convincingly 1-0 in Cotonou. They deserved their victory. Today, it is up to us to respond and try to win this match,” he added.
To recap, the Mozambique vs Benin match will take place this Saturday at Estadio Nacional Do Zimpeto at 2 p.m. Cotonou time.
