AFCON 2025 : Rohr Backs Roche, Confirms Defender Will Start Next Match

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has moved swiftly to defend Yohan Roche, making it clear that the defender will not be sanctioned following his costly mistake in the previous match.

Speaking with calm authority, Rohr stressed that errors are part of the game and rejected any attempt to single out the player for blame.

“A mistake like that can happen to anyone. We’ve all made them in our careers. To pile pressure on a player by saying we lost because of you — that’s not how we operate,” Rohr said.

The German tactician went on to explain the confusion surrounding the incident, revealing that the coaching staff had sought clarity from the player involved.

“We asked what happened. He explained that he heard ‘leave it’. The goalkeeper told us he didn’t say anything. So who shouted ‘leave it’? We don’t know. I’ll let you make your own assumptions. It could have come from the crowd. It could have come from the pitch,” Rohr explained.

Rohr also questioned whether the situation should have been penalized had the call come from an opposing player, noting the complexities of officiating during the incident.

“Normally, if it was an opponent who said ‘leave it’, it would have been punished with a card and an indirect free kick. But the referee was English-speaking. Maybe he didn’t understand, or maybe he was too far away,” he added.

Despite the controversy, Rohr delivered a strong vote of confidence in Roche, confirming that the defender will return to the starting lineup in the upcoming fixture.

“In any case, we make no reproach against Yohan Roche. He will start this match. We are happy to have him,” Rohr concluded.

The decision sends a clear message of unity within the Benin camp, as the Squirrels look to move past the incident and refocus ahead of their next challenge.