The Cheetahs of Benin Republic have qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at Tripoli International Stadium.
Libya's late efforts to qualify for the tournament in Morocco were foiled after they failed to score at home, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria lost at home to Rwanda.
Nigeria's result nearly staged an upset for Benin Republic as they finished the campaign levelled on points with the Amavubi but progressed on better goal difference and head-to-head record.
Gernot Rohr attacked in Libya
Reports originating from the Beninoise media claimed the Benin Republic players were held in the stadium's locker room due to concerns over their safety.
It was claimed that they were delayed in the dressing to allow the Libyan fans to leave the stadium and not risk any possible security issue that may arise from some angry fans.
The report added that after they were allowed to leave the stadium, head coach Gernot Rohr and a member of the Benin security team were assaulted by a Libyan policeman.
๐จ ๐ฃ๐ข๐๐ก๐ง ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ง ๐ฬ ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐ข๐๐ : ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐ฬ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฬ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ฬ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก๐
— Bรฉnin Football ๐ง๐ฏ๐ (@FootballBenin) November 18, 2024
Aprรจs avoir dรฉcrochรฉ leur qualification pour la CAN 2025, les Guรฉpards ont dรป faire face ร la colรจre des supporters libyens. Bloquรฉs dansโฆ pic.twitter.com/nRGqEjQ8fb
As noted by Libya Observer, the Libyan Football Federation allowed free entry for the fans into the 45,000-capacity stadium to provide support for their players and an intimidating atmosphere for the opponents.
Mistreatment of visiting teams is an act which has now been portrayed by the Libyans twice, having held the Super Eagles hostage at Al Abraq International Airport last month.
