Head coach Gernot Rohr has called up Parfait Faton, a 16-year-old midfielder from AAS Sarcelles, for Benin’s two matches against the Central African Republic on 12 and 16 November, in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.
Parfait Faton has not yet played a single professional match. Born in 2010, the 16-year-old midfielder is nonetheless receiving his first call-up to Benin’s senior team, selected by Gernot Rohr for the two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Central African Republic.
The news, reported by Ghanaian outlet GhanaSoccernet, is surprising to say the least. Faton plays in the French U17 National league with amateur club AAS Sarcelles, and he now features among the players called up to the senior national team.
A path shaped between Benin, Senegal and France
According to GhanaSoccernet, Faton first trained at the Centre d’Excellence de N’Dali in Benin, before joining the Diambars academy in Senegal and then continuing in France.
His name came to notice in July at the UFOA-B U20 tournament, where he caught the eye despite his young age. He was subsequently named captain of Benin’s U17s.
On the pitch, he can play as an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder or a full-back. The Ghanaian outlet highlights his agility, his technique and his ability to turn under pressure.
Paris FC: a lead to be treated with caution
The report also mentions a link with Paris FC. According to GhanaSoccernet, Faton has been working with the capital club after a successful trial, though no contract has been signed to date.
This information, reported with reservations, does not make it possible to state that he has joined the Paris squad on a permanent basis. On the football side, he is currently playing with AAS Sarcelles in the U17 National league.
Two matches against the Central African Republic in November
Benin face the Central African Republic on 12 and 16 November in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Faton is on Gernot Rohr’s list for the two matches, but the report does not specify how much playing time he will get.
For a player with no professional experience, these two matches represent a significant step up. The first of the two fixtures is set for 12 November.