2026 World Cup Qualifier: Rohr Admits Path Still Complicated

2026 World Cup Qualifier: Rohr Admits Path Still Complicated

Sampson Adedeji

Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has acknowledged that qualification remains a complicated task despite FIFA’s decision to sanction South Africa, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

On Monday, FIFA deducted three points and three goals from Bafana Bafana after they fielded an ineligible midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho.

Reacting to the development, Rohr stressed that the Cheetahs’ qualification hopes still face major hurdles.

“We will approach the last two matches with great humility. We still have two extremely difficult games in Rwanda and Nigeria. Meanwhile, South Africa will play twice at home. Of their ten matches, seven have been in South Africa,” Rohr said.

The German tactician lamented Benin’s unusual situation of playing exclusively away fixtures.

 “For two and a half years, we haven’t played a single match in Benin. Everything is away. It’s almost a small miracle that we still have a chance. But the schedule makes things extremely complicated.”

Despite the challenges, Rohr insists his side will remain focused and ready to seize any opportunity.

“We will stay determined. Maybe luck will smile on us, but it will be very, very difficult,” he added.

The FIFA ruling has reignited the battle in Group C. Benin, once trailing, now has a lifeline but must deliver on the road first against Rwanda and then against Nigeria to keep their World Cup dream alive.