Benin ended their long wait for a first Africa Cup of Nations victory with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, securing their maiden triumph at the tournament finals and breathing fresh life into their qualification hopes.
Yohan Roche’s first-half strike proved decisive for the Guépards, who had endured a winless streak of 15 AFCON matches spanning multiple tournaments—the second-longest such run in the competition’s history. The victory represents a watershed moment for Beninese football, which had previously recorded nine defeats and six draws across their tournament appearances.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Roche exchanged a one-two with captain Steve Mounié inside the penalty area. The defender’s right-footed shot from close range took a wicked deflection off a Botswana defender, looping over goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko and into the high centre of the goal. The fortunate ricochet proved decisive, but Benin’s patient build-up play deserved credit for creating the opportunity.
Botswana, who had produced a heroic defensive display in their opening match against Senegal despite the 3-0 defeat, found themselves under sustained pressure throughout large periods. Phoko had made a tournament-record 14 saves against the Lions of Teranga in that opener, showcasing his shot-stopping prowess, but could do little about Roche’s well-placed header.
The victory carries profound significance for a nation that first graced the AFCON stage in 2004 under Ghanaian coach Jones Attuquayifio. The experienced tactician guided Benin to their maiden tournament appearance in Tunisia, where the Guépards faced a baptism of fire with defeats to Morocco, Algeria and hosts Tunisia. Attuquayifio’s achievement in qualifying Benin for their first AFCON laid the foundation for the country’s footballing journey, though neither he nor any of his successors could deliver that elusive first victory until Rohr’s side finally broke through in Morocco 21 years later.
The Zebras attempted to mount a response after falling behind, enjoying their strongest spell of possession in midfield during the latter stages of the match as they sought to ease Benin’s momentum. However, clear-cut chances remained elusive for Morena Ramoreboli’s side, who struggled to trouble the Benin defence with meaningful attacks.
Benin’s control of proceedings was evident throughout, with Olivier Verdon heavily involved in their build-up play from defence. The Guépards had recorded 60% possession in their opening defeat to DR Congo—the highest they had ever achieved in an AFCON match—and maintained similar territorial dominance against Botswana.
As the final minutes ticked away with both teams battling for control, fatigue became evident across the pitch. Botswana pushed bodies forward in search of an equaliser, but Benin’s defensive organisation held firm to preserve their precious advantage.
The result leaves Group D delicately poised heading into the final round of fixtures. Senegal remain firmly in control after their opening victory, whilst DR Congo’s win over Benin in matchday one keeps them well-placed. For Benin, this historic triumph offers hope of progression, though they will need results to fall favourably in their concluding match.
Botswana’s qualification hopes now hang in the balance. The defeat means they have lost five consecutive AFCON matches, and they face the daunting prospect of needing victory against one of the group’s stronger sides in their final fixture to stand any chance of advancing. For coach Ramoreboli, whose side showed admirable spirit despite the scoreline against Senegal, the challenge now is to lift his players for one final push.
