Rohr promises Abdou some ‘teasing’ after Mounie revelation

Gernot Rohr says he will tease Benin manager Amir Abdou before Friday’s Burkina Faso v Benin match, after Abdou publicly disclosed a private conversation about Steve Mounie.

The two national-team coaches exchanged information before their squads were announced, but Rohr was unhappy when Abdou revealed that he had been told Mounie would not be included in Burkina Faso’s squad.

“I know the opposing coach. We exchanged a few words. I think he told you about it, which is something I would not have done,” Rohr said with a smile at his pre-match news conference.

“When colleagues talk to each other, it should remain between colleagues. I will tease him a little about it tomorrow.”

The exchange took place ahead of the opening Group F fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Burkina Faso hosting Benin at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou.

Kick-off is at 19:00 GMT (20:00 local time). Mauritania and Central African Republic are also in the group.

The dispute dates back to 17 September, when Abdou was announcing his squad. He said he had spoken to Rohr, whom he regards as a friend, and revealed that the Burkina Faso manager had told him Mounie would be absent.

The disclosure came before Rohr had announced his own squad and prompted discussion in Benin, with some media questioning whether it was appropriate for Rohr to share information about one of his key players with a future opponent.

Mounie, the captain of Benin, was subsequently confirmed as unavailable for the fixture. Olivier Verdon is also missing.

Rohr made clear that the incident had not created a serious rift between the two managers, but he wanted to underline that a confidence shared privately between coaches should not be taken to a news conference.

The light-hearted exchange adds interest to an important match for both sides. Burkina Faso will play Central African Republic in Casablanca on 28 September, while Benin will host Mauritania on 29 September in their second fixture.

The teams are familiar with one another. Burkina Faso defeated Benin in a friendly in November 2025, and Benin will hope to claim a result in Ouagadougou after reaching the round of 16 at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.

Before the competitive action begins, Rohr and Abdou will meet again, with the Burkina Faso manager suggesting their first conversation is likely to include a reference to the “secret” involving Steve Mounie.