Mozambique vs Benin: Ex-Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr suffers AFCON heartbreak in dramatic 5-goal thriller
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Former Nigeria Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL Mozambique vs Benin: Ex-Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr suffers AFCON heartbreak in dramatic 5-goal thriller

Mozambique vs Benin: Ex-Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr suffers AFCON heartbreak in dramatic 5-goal thriller

Izuchukwu Akawor • 16:09 - 09.09.2023

Former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr's Benin Republic went head-to-head with Mozambique in a winner-takes-all clash in the AFCONQ2023.

The former coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles Gernot Rohr won’t be at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast next year after a heartbreak with Benin Republic. 

Rohr and his Cheetahs, formerly known as Squirrels, suffered a late defeat to Mozambique in a dramatic 3-2 win for the Mambas on Saturday afternoon. 

Finland-based Clesio Banque was the hero of the day for the home side as he netted the decisive winner in added time at the Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo. 

Rohr and Benin’s pain

Both nations went into the final round of games with all to play in the Group L encounter but Mozambique left it late to complete a remarkable comeback win. 

Gernot Rohr was in charge of the Super Eagles for five years. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Mozambique were just two points ahead of their visitors and needed at least a point while Rohr and his Cheetahs needed an outright win.

Benin started in the best possible way when Steve Mounie gave them the lead after just 20 minutes.

But the lead only lasted just seven minutes as two goals in four minutes completely turned things in favour of the home side. 

Witi equalised just before the hour mark before Guima made it 2-1 four minutes later to give the Mambas the lead at the break.

Mozambique manager Victor Jose Matine was emotional at the end of the game. (Photo Credit: SuperSport)

Jodel Dossou equalised for Benin to make it 2-2 as the away side started the second half as they did the first.

But while Rohr’s side pushed for the winner, it was the come side who found it through super-sub Banque, who combined effectively with Geny Catamo to seal the deal and end Benin’s hopes.

Back with the best, Mozambique after 13 years. (Photo Credit: CAFonline/X)

What the result means

The win sees Mozambique seal a fifth appearance at the AFCON and their first appearance in 13 years.

Mozambique’s Mambas have not been to Africa’s elite tournament since 2010.

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For Franco-German coach, Rohr and his Cheetahs, it’s the end of the road and they were not fast enough against the Mambas and will watch the tournament slated for Ivory Coast next year from home. 

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