RABAT, Morocco — In a milestone moment for West African football, Benin etched their name into the history books on Saturday, December 27, 2025, by securing their first-ever victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). A solitary, hard-fought goal from defender Yohan Roche was enough to down Botswana 1–0 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Annex, ending a decades-long winless drought in the continent’s premier tournament.
Entering the match, the “Cheetahs” (formerly the Squirrels) had endured a frustrating run of 15 AFCON matches over five different tournament appearances without a single win in regulation time. That curse was finally broken in front of a jubilant crowd in Rabat, reigniting Benin’s hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16 in Group D.
The Breakthrough: Yohan Roche’s Moment of Glory
The match began with high stakes for both nations, as both Benin and Botswana had suffered losses in their opening Group D fixtures. Benin, coached by the experienced Gernot Rohr, looked the more composed side from the opening whistle, asserting dominance through the midfield trio of Sessi D’Almeida, Dodo Dokou, and Hassane Imourane.
The decisive moment arrived in the 28th minute. After a patient build-up, captain and talisman Steve Mounié—returning to the lineup after missing the opener—showed his veteran class by holding up the ball in the box and laying off a deft assist to the advancing Yohan Roche. Roche unleashed a right-footed strike that took a slight deflection, looping over Botswana’s goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko and into the roof of the net.
The goal sparked wild celebrations on the Beninese bench, signaling the end of a wait that spanned from their debut in 2004 through their famous but winless quarter-final run in 2019.
Match Stats and Standouts
Despite a spirited second-half push from Botswana’s “Zebras,” Benin’s defense, led by Olivier Verdon and Mohamed Tijani, remained impenetrable.
Key Match Statistics:
- Possession: Benin 52% | Botswana 48%
- Shots on Target: Benin 4 | Botswana 1
- Corners: Benin 1 | Botswana 1
- Yellow Cards: 3 (Ouorou, Aloko for Benin; Seakanyeng, Ditsele for Botswana)
| Player | Team | Role | Impact |
| Yohan Roche | Benin | Defender | Scored the historic winning goal in the 28th minute. |
| Steve Mounié | Benin | Forward | Provided the crucial assist and leadership upfront. |
| Mothusi Johnson | Botswana | Midfielder | Hit the crossbar with a stunning 36th-minute free-kick. |
| Goitseone Phoko | Botswana | Goalkeeper | Made 3 vital saves to keep the Zebras in the contest. |
Botswana’s Heartbreak and Group D Standings
For Botswana, the loss is a crushing blow. Despite the tactical changes made by coach Morena Ramoreboli at halftime—bringing on Gilbert Baruti and Mothusi Cooper to add attacking flair—the Zebras couldn’t find a way past the Beninese wall. Their best chance came just before halftime when Mothusi Johnson’s curling free-kick rattled the crossbar, narrowly missing what would have been a spectacular equalizer.
With two losses in two games, Botswana’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage are officially over, as they remain at the bottom of the group with zero points and a -4 goal difference.
Group D Standings (Live Update):
- Senegal: 3 Pts (+3 GD) — (Match vs DR Congo pending)
- DR Congo: 3 Pts (+1 GD) — (Match vs Senegal pending)
- Benin: 3 Pts (0 GD)
- Botswana: 0 Pts (-4 GD)
A New Era for the Cheetahs
Gernot Rohr’s side has now successfully shifted the narrative. No longer the team that only advances through draws, Benin has proven they can win on the big stage. The victory ends a streak of 15 games (10 losses, 5 draws) without a win in AFCON history.
The “Cheetahs” will now turn their attention to a gargantuan final group match against the defending champions, Senegal, on Tuesday, December 30, in Tangier. A result there could see them secure a spot in the knockout rounds for only the second time in their history.
Match Quick Facts
- Tournament: AFCON 2025 (Morocco)
- Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Annex, Rabat
- Attendance: Approximately 8,500
- Man of the Match: Yohan Roche
