Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with the Cheetahs preparing to trim the list down to the required 28 players before the competition kicks off in Morocco on 21 December.
The squad announcement comes ahead of a training camp in Ben Slimane, Morocco, starting 10 December. Rohr explained that he initially shortlisted 50 players before narrowing the group to 30 to provide sufficient cover against injuries, suspensions, and late fitness setbacks.
The standout inclusion is Charlemagne Azongnitodé, the AC Oulu centre-back who earns his first senior call-up following an exceptional run of form in Finland. Rohr and his staff view the 23-year-old as a potential long-term defensive pillar for Benin.
Elsewhere, the German tactician maintains continuity. Steve Mounié returns fully fit to lead the attack, while Rodolfo Aloko also reappears after recovering from injury. Young talents Santos Felipe, Adam Akimey and Mariano Ahouangbo—trialed in recent camps are all retained.
Benin face Senegal on 30 December in their final Group Stage match and are now one of the latest nations to formalize tournament preparations. Rohr confirmed that five players are suspended for their AFCON opener, increasing the importance of a wider preliminary list.
Benin enter a crucial preparation phase
During the Morocco-based camp, the coaching staff will evaluate fitness, tactical cohesion and player form before announcing the 28-man final squad mandated by CAF. Rohr emphasized the goal of arriving in Morocco with at least 26 or 27 fully fit players.
The Cheetahs will rely heavily on the leadership of Olivier Verdon and Yohan Roche in defence, while midfield anchors Sessi D’Almeida, Mattéo Ahlinvi and Dodo Dokou form the core of Benin’s tactical structure.
Benin continue a development cycle under Rohr marked by improved competitiveness, work rate and defensive discipline—a crucial trio as they prepare for a challenging Group D.
Benin’s 30-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025 🇧🇯
Goalkeepers:
Dandjinou Marcel, Allagbé Saturnin, Obassa Serge
Defenders:
Attidjikou Samadou, Azongnitodé Charlemagne, Fassinou Rodrigue, Kiki David, Moumini Rachid, Ouorou Tamimou, Yohan Roche, Tijani Mohamed, Verdon Olivier
Midfielders:
Ahlinvi Mattéo, Ahouangbo Mariano, Ahoudo Gislain, D’Almeida Sessi, Dokou Dodo, Hassane Imourane, Kossi Rodrigue
Forwards:
Akimey Adam, Aloko Rodolfo, Amoussou Romaric, Dossou Jodel, Hountondji Andreas, Mounié Steve, Olaïtan Junior, Rachidou Razack, Santos Felipe, Tessilimi Olatoundji, Tosin Aiyegun
