Immediate Super Eagles ‘ foreign manager Gernot Rohr will begin a new lease of life today as he leads out neighbouring Republic of Benin against visiting Rwanda in a crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The vastly travelled German who was recently contracted by the Benin Football Federation, told NationSport , that he would be expecting his wards to fire on all cylinders and lived up to their new monicker after they recently swapped their long-known Les Ecureuils (The Squirrels) to Les Guépards (The Cheetahs).
Benin have not qualified for the prestigious AFCON since their last appearance at Egypt 2019 and Rohr’s job is already cut out as they tried to pull their chestnuts from the fire in the 2023 Qualifying Group L section where they are currently bottom of the section behind Senegal, Mozambique and Rwanda after losing their opening two matches to Senegal (3-1 away) and 1-0 home loss to Mozambique.
Their double header against third -placed Amavubi (The Wasps) of Rwanda starts today at the Stade de l’Amitie (Friendship Stadium) in Cotonou and the 69-year-old trainer said the Beninese side would be fast and furious b to pull their chestnuts from the fire since cheetahs are widely regarded as the fastest land animals.
“ Benin are no longer The Squirrels but are now Les Guépards (The Cheetahs),”the former Bordeaux and Nice coach told NationSport.“ Of course, The Cheetah is a better name; more aggressive.”
Incidentally, the former Niger and Gabon coach had earlier told NationSport exclusively that he was not oblivious of the challenges ahead after signing a three-year deal to tinker the Beninese side.
He said: “ Yes, it would be difficult (to qualify for the next AFCON) because they have already lost the first two matches. Of course, the games against Rwanda would be decisive and we must do our best to win the next game at home on March 22 and the reverse fixture in Kigali on March 27.
“ And we also know that the second game away to Rwanda will also be difficult but you know, I’m not afraid of the difficult work.”