The Benin national team will be strong favourites when they face Central African Republic in the fourth round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Monday, but Ernest Sedjro Paqui has warned against any loss of focus.
Benin moved to the top of Group F with seven points after beating Cote d’Ivoire 4-1 in Abidjan on 12 November. They remain unbeaten, while Central African Republic are still without a point.
A victory at 17:00 Benin time on Monday, 16 November, at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, would put Benin within touching distance of qualification with two rounds still to play.
Paqui, a football enthusiast and Benin supporter, told Africafoot that the team must approach the return fixture with discipline rather than allow the emphatic result in Abidjan to create overconfidence.
The former result has made Benin favourites, but the circumstances also increase the importance of avoiding complacency. Central African Republic will be determined to respond, and Benin must maintain the same level of concentration that helped them secure their first win.
Paqui also expects Gernot Rohr to consider tactical adjustments for the match in Douala. The Benin coach’s decisions could be important as his side seek to control the game and take advantage of their favourable position in the group.
Khaled Adenon wants Benin to complete the job in Douala and confirm their qualification as soon as possible. The players have the quality to achieve that, but they will need to show greater defensive solidity and be more clinical in attack.
Following the coach’s instructions will be crucial, particularly after a victory that could encourage the team to take unnecessary risks. Benin’s defensive resilience in Abidjan and their attacking threat give them the tools to secure another positive result, provided they remain organised.
Central African Republic also have players capable of creating problems. Geoffrey Kondogbia and Louis Mafouta provide significant experience and quality, while Abdelaziz Kerkache has recently taken charge of the team.
Benin’s main danger will be allowing Central African Republic to regain control of midfield, as happened at times previously. If they avoid that weakness and preserve their defensive structure, they will have a strong chance of protecting their lead at the top of Group F.
The match therefore represents an opportunity for Benin to all but seal qualification, but Paqui’s message is clear: the result in Abidjan must not lead to a drop in intensity.
