- Match Overview: Early Lead Lost as Cheetahs Settle for a Draw.
- Fan Reactions: Criticisms Grow Over Rohr’s Tactical Decisions.
- Looking Ahead: Pressure Mounts on Rohr as World Cup Dreams Hang in the Balance.
Benin Republic’s 2-2 Draw Against Zimbabwe: Fans Criticize Coach Gernot Rohr’s Decisions
On March 20, 2025, the Benin Republic’s national football team, known as the Cheetahs, faced off against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, ending in a 2-2 draw.
This outcome has sparked a wave of criticism from fans directed at head coach Gernot Rohr, especially concerning his tactical decisions throughout the match.
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Match Overview
The Cheetahs kicked off the game with great energy, taking an early lead in the 12th minute when Steve Mounié seized on a mistake by Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper, Washington Arubi.
They doubled their lead in the 37th minute thanks to Dodo Dokou, who scored after a quick counterattack.
However, Zimbabwe fought back just before halftime; Marshall Munetsi found the net in the 45th minute, and Knowledge Musona equalized at 2-2 with a well-placed shot from the edge of the penalty area, getting the better of Benin’s goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou.
Fan Reactions and Criticisms
The recent draw has stirred up quite a bit of frustration among fans of the Benin Republic, who have taken to social media to express their discontent.
A recurring point in their critiques is Coach Rohr’s apparent hesitation to make timely substitutions.
One fan pointed out, “Mounié played the entire 90 minutes, and he’s not even a regular at his club. What was the thinking behind that?”
Another chimed in, “The condition of the pitch shouldn’t be an excuse since we scored on the same field. It’s just embarrassing.”
Further criticisms revolve around Rohr’s substitution strategy. One fan vented, “He seems scared to make a change. What kind of coach is this?”
Another added, “Does this coach even see the game? I’m completely lost.”
Context and Implications
This match was crucial for both teams. Before the game, both Benin and Zimbabwe were hunting for their first wins in the qualifiers.
The draw leaves Benin Republic sitting at the top of Group C with eight points, while Zimbabwe lingers at the bottom with just three points.
The upcoming matches for the Cheetahs will be vital in deciding their fate in the qualifiers.
The fans’ reactions highlight a larger concern regarding Coach Rohr’s leadership.
Having previously managed the Nigerian national team, Rohr’s time with the Benin Republic has been under a microscope, with many questioning his player selections and in-game tactics.
The pressure is building for him to tackle these issues if he wants to keep the fans on his side and fulfill the team’s World Cup dreams.
Conclusion
The 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe has sparked deeper conversations about Benin Republic’s World Cup qualifying journey and Coach Gernot Rohr’s role in it.
As the qualifiers move forward, the team’s performance will be closely watched, with fans eager for improvements and a clear game plan from their coach.
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