Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has shown evidence of physical assault on his team at the Tripoli International Stadium after securing qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Libya.
The Cheetahs secured a crucial point against the Mediterranean Knights on Monday, November 18, to finish second behind Nigeria in Group D.
The West African side held Libya to a goalless draw to qualify for next year's tournament ahead of the North Africans and Rwanda.
However, the qualification came at a price both on and off the pitch, as reports indicate that the Benin players and staff were assaulted in the locker room and on the team bus by some irate Libyan fans.
Rohr, a former Super Eagles coach, stated that he was physically assaulted by a Libyan police officer on the team bus.
In an interview with Canal+, the 71-year-old detailed what unfolded after the game in Tripoli upon their arrival in Cotonou.
💬 𝐃𝐞́𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐡𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥+
— Bénin Football 🇧🇯🐆 (@FootballBenin) November 19, 2024
Le sélectionneur national est revenu en direct sur Canal+ sur les coulisses de la qualification historique du Bénin pour la CAN 2025 :
✈️ “Le Bénin a mis à disposition un avion privé pour l’équipe. Mais… pic.twitter.com/gV8aRcw6zI
Libya was recently fined USD 50,000 by CAF after leaving Nigeria stranded at the airport for several hours, leading to the cancellation of the Matchday four AFCON fixture between them and Nigeria.
Nigeria was awarded the maximum three points plus three goals following CAF's ruling on the matter.
