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Benin coach Gernot Rohr has condemned the shocking treatment his team endured in Libya after their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, Soccernet.football reports.
The German-French tactician, known for his extensive coaching experience across the black continent, described the events as “a disgrace for African football.”
The November clash in Tripoli was a high-stakes encounter.
With Nigeria already through from Group D, Benin, Libya, and Rwanda were all battling for the final qualification spot. Libya needed a win, while Benin required just a draw. The Cheetahs held their ground, securing a 0-0 draw to book their ticket to Morocco 2025.
However, what followed was an alarming descent into chaos.
Rohr revealed, “We were attacked and beaten by the opposing coaches after the final whistle. Then we were locked in the dressing room. When we finally sat in the team bus, armed police officers came into the vehicle and physically attacked us.”
Rohr criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for permitting matches in politically unstable nations.
“It is urgently necessary that CAF reacts here and no longer allows qualifying matches in countries with such an unstable political situation,” he demanded.
The violence suffered by Benin is a reflection of Libya’s ongoing instability.
Despite the end of its civil war four years ago, the country remains divided between rival factions, with frequent clashes over oil revenue and territorial control.
Benin’s ordeal mirrored a similar incident involving Nigeria’s national team just a month earlier.
Nigerian players were detained at a deserted Libyan airport for over 13 hours without food, water, or communication. Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen lamented, “I’ve been at the airport for almost 13 hours now, no food, no WiFi, no place to sleep.”
In that instance, Nigeria refused to play, leading CAF to award a 3-0 walkover against Libya and fine the Libyan Football Association $50,000. Yet, Rohr’s experience indicates that such penalties have failed to prevent further escalations.
