By Neilley Claude EBESSA,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
For the first time in six years, Benin’s national football team, known as the Cheetahs, is preparing for their second-ever knockout game in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). As the 2025 AFCON progresses, the Cheetahs have defied the odds to reach the Round of 16, where they will face the mighty Egypt on January 5, 2025. For Benin, this match represents much more than just another game — it’s an opportunity to create history and take another step towards achieving their best-ever AFCON finish.
The 2025 AFCON marks a milestone for Benin, as they look to build on their previous quarterfinal appearance in 2004. Back then, the Cheetahs made a strong push in the tournament, but their knockout run ended in the quarterfinals. Now, as they face Egypt — the seven-time champions of Africa — the stakes are even higher. To make the quarterfinals again, and potentially beyond, would be a monumental achievement for Benin football. Benin FA President Mathurin de Chacus has fueled the players’ motivation by promising a substantial 200 million CFA francs bonus if they can make it to the next round.
This reward is a testament to the growing ambitions within the Benin football federation. The Cheetahs have been a resilient and hard-working team throughout the tournament, and now they stand on the cusp of making history once more. With a passionate fanbase and an inspired squad, Benin will look to defy the odds and take down the Pharaohs in what promises to be an electrifying match. The players, including standout figures like Yohan Roche Benjamin and Grenot Rohr tactical acumen, are ready to embrace the challenge, knowing that a win will not only earn them the coveted bonus but also secure their place among Africa’s elite teams.
The road to the 2025 quarterfinals is a difficult one, but Benin’s journey so far in this AFCON has been nothing short of inspiring. With the knockout stage proving to be a true test of skill, endurance, and mental fortitude, the Cheetahs’ clash against Egypt could go down as one of the most significant moments in Benin’s football history. As the Cheetahs aim for a historic run, all eyes will be on Benin vs Egypt — a battle where the prize is not only progression but the chance to write a new chapter in their football legacy.
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