Gernot Rohr believes Benin have developed greater maturity and confidence since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they continue their strong start to qualifying for the 2027 tournament.

Benin beat Central African Republic 4-1 in Abidjan on Thursday to move on to seven points from three matches in Group F, with a goal difference of +4. The teams meet again in Douala, Cameroon, on Monday.

“It is very encouraging, but we must remain cautious,” Rohr said. “We will know a little more on Monday after the match against Central African Republic in Douala. Taking a point away from home would be a good result, but we will be ambitious.

“A victory would bring us very close to qualification. However, we will have to be very attentive because Central African Republic, who have no points, will probably see this as their last chance to stay in the race. We should therefore expect a difficult match.”

Benin had already drawn 1-1 with Burkina Faso and beaten Mauritania 2-1 in September. Rohr said Thursday’s victory was designed to build on those results, despite his side’s respect for Central African Republic’s key players Geoffrey Kondogbia and Louis Mafouta.

Imourane Hassane gave Benin an early lead before Central African Republic equalised. The hosts then restored their advantage and went into half-time two goals ahead.

“We were able to win the match comfortably thanks to our seriousness, the 4-3-3 system that we are mastering better and better, and the individual and collective quality of the squad,” Rohr said.

Benin were again without striker and captain Steve Mounie, but Rohr said the team had adapted successfully to his absence.

“We do not necessarily play in the same way when Steve is there or not,” he said. “When he is with us, we often look for his heading ability, an area in which he is very strong. When he is not on the pitch, we favour a game played more along the ground.”

Rohr rejected the idea that one or two individuals were solely responsible for Benin’s results, pointing instead to a stronger collective spirit.

“It is a whole,” he said. “A collective that has developed automatisms and enjoys working together. There has been a new mentality for several months.”

He believes that progress began at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Benin reached the last 16 and pushed Egypt before losing 3-1 after extra time.

“I think that tournament allowed the team to take a step forward,” Rohr said. “It gained experience, became more mature and has greater confidence.”

He highlighted the leadership of Junior Olaitan, Aiyegoun Tosin, Steve Mounie and Sessi D’Almeida, while also praising younger members of the squad. Rohr added that players facing difficulties at club level, including Hassane Imourane at Grasshoppers Zurich and unattached defender Mohamed Tijani, had still performed well for Benin.

Benin have been unable to play in Cotonou for some time because they do not have an approved stadium. Rohr said hosting matches in Abidjan had worked, but the team missed the support it would receive at home.

He said the stadium could be available at the beginning of next year, potentially allowing Benin to host Burkina Faso in Cotonou in March.