Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has unveiled his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and South Africa, making some unexpected omissions while also handing a first call-up to a teenage prospect.

Benin will take on Zimbabwe at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on 21st March before hosting South Africa in Abidjan on 25th March, as they continue their quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Due to stadiums in Benin failing to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards for international fixtures, the team is unable to play home matches on its own soil. This is also the reason Zimbabwe will be hosting their game in South Africa.

Rohr has left out former Ligue 1 defender Olivier Verdon, citing disciplinary reasons. Speaking at a press conference, he explained that Verdon had failed to inform the coaching staff of his absence for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.

"There are issues of communication and mutual respect. He was unavailable for the last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers but did not provide an explanation. As a result, he has been sanctioned. Discipline is essential, and if a player does not adhere to our rules, it will be difficult for him to remain part of the squad," Rohr stated.

The coach has named a 25-man squad, which includes 19-year-old Atalanta prospect Candas Fiogbé. The young forward has impressed for the Italian club’s U-19 side in the UEFA Youth League, scoring six goals, and now earns his first senior national team call-up despite not yet making a senior appearance.

Rohr has also recalled 30-year-old Brandon Agounon, the captain of French third-division side Châteauroux, a year after his last international appearance. However, the squad will be without striker Aiyegun Tosin, who is currently with Ligue 2 leaders Lorient but has been ruled out with a thigh injury. Defender Cédric Hountondji of Ligue 1 club Angers is also absent due to an Achilles injury.

David Kiki, who plays for Romanian club Steaua Bucharest, is included in the squad. Meanwhile, his club teammate, South African defender Siyabonga Ngezana, has been named in Bafana Bafana’s preliminary squad, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming fixture.

With key absences and a promising new addition, Benin will look to navigate these crucial qualifiers successfully as they strengthen their bid for a historic World Cup appearance.

Benin Squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa Qualifiers

Goalkeepers

• Saturnin Allagbé (Botev Vratsa, Bulgaria)

• Marcel Dandjinou (JDR Stars, South Africa)

• Serges Obassa (Remo Stars, Nigeria)

Defenders

• Moïse Adilehou (Laval, France)

• Brandon Agounon (Châteauroux, France)

• Rodrigue Fassinou (Coton Sport, Benin)

• David Kiki (Steaua Bucharest, Romania)

• Rachid Moumini (Ayéma, Benin)

• Tamimou Ouorou (Hatta, UAE)

• Yohan Roche (Petrolul 52, Romania)

• Rabiou Sankamao (Wydad Fès, Morocco)

• Mohamed Tijani (Yverdon Sport, Switzerland)

Midfielders

• Mattéo Ahlinvi (Arsenal Tula, Russia)

• Mariano Ahouangbo (Soliman, Tunisia)

• Gislain Ahoudo (Gabès, Tunisia)

• Samadou Attidjikou (Al Masry, Egypt)

• Sessi d'Almeida (Apollon Limassol, Cyprus)

• Dodo Dokou (Smouha, Egypt)

• Imourane Hassane (Grasshoppers Zurich, Switzerland)

Forwards

• Jodel Dossou (Victoria Rosport, Luxembourg)

• Candas Fiogbé (Atalanta, Italy)

• Andréas Hountondji (Standard Liège, Belgium)

• Steve Mounié (FC Augsburg, Germany)

• Junior Olaitan (Grenoble, France)

• Steve-Waren Traoré (Haka, Finland)