Benin coach revels in ‘small miracle’ after punishment for Bafana Bafana

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Benin coach revels in ‘small miracle’ after punishment for Bafana Bafana
GERNOT ROHR head Coach of Benin National team during the International friendly match between Ivory Coast and Benin at Stade de la Licorne on March 23, 2024 in Amiens, France.(Photo by Herve Bellenger/Icon Sport) - Photo by Icon Sport

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has expressed his delight at seeing his team gain a slight advantage in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers following punishment for South Africa.

Bafana Bafana were docked points by FIFA following a disciplinary decision that was delivered on Monday for fielding an ineligible player in their match against Lesotho in March.

South Africa played Teboho Mokoena when he was suspended for the match and after months of silence, FIFA struck this month when it confirmed that a probe had been opened before a ruling was delivered.

What has Rohr said about new-found advantage?

Following the ruling, Bafana Bafana were docked three points with FIFA handing them a forfeit defeat (0-3) that saw them tumble from top spot in Group C with 17 points to second with 14 and now level with Benin but second on the log with an inferior goal difference of +3 to the Squirrels’ +4.

Benin now head into their final round of qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria knowing victory in both, while maintaining their superior goal difference, will earn them a first-ever World Cup ticket and while Rohr is delighted to be in a position of strength, he is staying humble.

Gernot Rohr, sélectionneur Bénin

“We’ll approach the last two matchdays with great humility. We still have two extremely tough matches, away to Rwanda and Nigeria,” Rohr told Foot-Africa.

“Meanwhile, South Africa will play twice at home. In fact, out of their ten matches, they will have played seven in South Africa. As for us, for the past two and a half years, we haven’t played a single game in Benin. All our matches have been away,” he added, explaining Bafana Bafana’s advantage over them.

‘Small miracle’ delights Benin coach

Nevertheless, the former Nigeria coach, the last man to take the Super Eagles to the World Cup, hopes his team can capitalise on their new-found advantage even though he admits they have the toughest matches among their rivals.

Bénin Rwanda
© Iconsport

“It’s a small miracle to still have a chance in these conditions. But it will be extremely difficult given our schedule. We’ll remain determined, of course. Maybe it’s a twist of fate. It’s up to us to make the most of it, even if it’s going to be very, very tough,” he added.

Benin play away to Rwanda on October 10 before visiting Nigeria four days later and must win both matches to retain their advantage.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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