Head coach Gernot Rohr has called up Parfait Faton, a 16-year-old midfielder at AAS Sarcelles, for the first time for the AFCON qualifiers against the Central African Republic. Captain Steve Mounié, a striker, is absent: he has not recovered from his injury.
Gernot Rohr has unveiled Benin’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers against the Central African Republic, according to So Foot. It contains a first: the call-up of Parfait Faton, just 16 years old, a midfielder at AAS Sarcelles and captain of the Cheetahs U17 side.
At the same time, the list records one absence, that of Steve Mounié. It also includes the return of Mariano Ahouangbo and Romaric Amoussou, as well as the presence of Liam Omore, who had nonetheless been reported as doubtful.
Faton, a rapid rise
The name Parfait Faton will probably mean little to the general public. But his profile is intriguing. According to So Foot, the midfielder came to prominence in July at an U20 tournament, a performance that earned him the captain’s armband of Benin’s U17s. A lightning trajectory for a player who is not yet 17.
According to the outlet, Faton can play as a playmaker, as a holding midfielder or on one side of the defence. He also had a trial judged convincing at Paris FC.
Mounié out, two returns
Steve Mounié’s absence weighs on Gernot Rohr’s squad. A striker and captain, he has still not recovered from his injury, So Foot reports. The group is thus deprived of its captain for this double fixture.
Conversely, Benin record two returns: Mariano Ahouangbo and Romaric Amoussou are back in the national team. Liam Omore had been reported as doubtful; he is ultimately in the squad finalised by Gernot Rohr.
Two away trips in November
The schedule is tight. Benin host the Central African Republic on 12 November in Abidjan, for matchday 3 of the qualifiers, before travelling to Douala on 16 November for matchday 4.
These two meetings are AFCON qualifying matches, constituting matchdays 3 and 4.