Steve Mounie, captain of the Benin Cheetahs, has spoken out against the mistreatment his team experienced during their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Libya. Despite clinching a spot in the tournament with a goalless draw against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in Tripoli, the celebration was overshadowed by hostility and chaos.
Mounie described the atmosphere as akin to a “war zone,” condemning the actions of Libyan fans who whistled disrespectfully during Benin’s national anthem. Post-match, the aggression escalated as fans hurled objects at the players, and the team bus was reportedly attacked by some security personnel, injuring head coach Gernot Rohr and several staff members.
Further compounding their ordeal, the Benin squad faced logistical nightmares, including a last-minute flight diversion that left them stranded without food, water, or communication. The Nigerian Football Federation has since urged government intervention, shedding light on the alarming challenges faced by visiting teams in Libya.
Despite the adversity, Mounie lauded his young team’s resilience and pride in securing AFCON 2025 qualification, finishing second in Group B ahead of Rwanda on goal difference. However, the incidents in Tripoli underscore the growing concerns about the safety and fairness of hosting international fixtures in Libya.
