Rohr Attacked, Benin Players Held at Stadium After AFCON 2025Q Draw in Libya: Reports

Rohr Attacked, Benin Players Held at Stadium After AFCON 2025Q Draw in Libya: Reports

  • The Cheetahs of Benin Republic qualified for AFCON 2025 after playing a goalless draw against Libya
  • Libyan security and fans went irate after the match and reportedly attacked the Benin head coach
  • The Libyans are still paying for the airport hostage saga involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria last month

The Cheetahs of Benin Republic have qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at Tripoli International Stadium.

Libya's late efforts to qualify for the tournament in Morocco were foiled after they failed to score at home, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria lost at home to Rwanda.

Gernot Rohr, Junior Olaitan, Aiyegun Tosin, Mohamed Tijani, Tripoli, Libya, Benin Republic.
Benin Republic players and staff celebrating after qualifying for AFCON 2025. Photo from Joueurs Beninois.
Source: Twitter

Nigeria's result nearly staged an upset for Benin Republic as they finished the campaign levelled on points with the Amavubi but progressed on better goal difference and head-to-head record.

Gernot Rohr attacked in Libya

Reports originating from the Beninoise media claimed the Benin Republic players were held in the stadium's locker room due to concerns over their safety.

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Otto Addo 'Deeply' Apologises to Ghanaians After AFCON Qualification Failure

It was claimed that they were delayed in the dressing to allow the Libyan fans to leave the stadium and not risk any possible security issue that may arise from some angry fans.

The report added that after they were allowed to leave the stadium, head coach Gernot Rohr and a member of the Benin security team were assaulted by a Libyan policeman.

As noted by Libya Observer, the Libyan Football Federation allowed free entry for the fans into the 45,000-capacity stadium to provide support for their players and an intimidating atmosphere for the opponents.

Mistreatment of visiting teams is an act which has now been portrayed by the Libyans twice, having held the Super Eagles hostage at Al Abraq International Airport last month.

Otto Addo consoles Mohammed Kudus

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghana coach Otto Addo quickly walked to Mohammed Kudus to console him after the West Ham United star missed a penalty in the defeat to Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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Jerry Afriyie: Ghana U20 Star Scores on Black Stars Debut in Defeat to Niger

The Black Stars were hoping to end the qualifiers in style after a terrible qualifying campaign that saw the former African champions fail to make it to Morocco.

Kudus was presented with the opportunity of salvaging a point for the Black Stars in the final minute of the match against Niger, after winning a penalty.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Richard Nutakor avatar

Richard Nutakor (Sports Editor) Richard Nutakor is a digital media enthusiast with over 8 years of working experience in media and digital marketing. He's worked with notable media brands in Ghana like Media General, owners of TV3 Ghana, 3FM, Onua FM & Connect FM. He's also worked with Global Media Alliance as a Digital Account Manager. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Ghana in 2016 and a Masters in Brands and Communication Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Email: richard.kekeli@sportsbrief.com

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