\n<\/p>\n
Having booked a place at Afcon, Rohr has already turned his attention back to the ambitious target of qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.<\/p>\n
Despite their rise up the African football ladder in the mid-2000s, Benin remain a nation of modest resources, so the coach is putting his faith in youth.<\/p>\n
“We have a lot of young and local players,” Rohr explained.<\/p>\n
“It is different from the other countries I had previously managed in Africa. We have half of the team under the age of 21 and 22, half of the team coming from the local league.<\/p>\n
“That is the opposite of what I had in Nigeria, where everybody was playing in big teams, big clubs and big leagues.<\/p>\n
“The difference is they are very, very hungry. They want to make a successful career and that’s why the ambition is very big, and it’s a special work for the coach.”<\/p>\n
Benin first played at an Afcon finals in 2004, followed by appearances in 2008, 2010 and 2019.<\/p>\n
The Cheetahs have never qualified for the World Cup, but Rohr believes their recent continental success is “giving confidence” to his players as they look to make history.<\/p>\n
After four games in qualifying, they currently sit third in Group C with seven points<\/a> – only behind leaders Rwanda on goal difference and second-placed South Africa on goals scored.<\/p>\n Rohr’s former team, Nigeria, are languishing in fifth position with just three points.<\/p>\n The campaign restarts in March with a trip to Zimbabwe followed by a home fixture against South Africa.<\/p>\n Rohr\u2019s message remains that “everything is possible”<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n