The Cheetahs of Benin Republic have suffered a blow as young exciting forward Rodolfo Aloko, is set to miss next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria’s Super Eagles due to injury.
Aloko suffered a knee injury during the eighth matchday of the qualifiers against Lesotho.
The 18-year-old Charlotte FC star is scheduled to undergo surgery and will be sidelined for several weeks.
Starting for the second consecutive time with Benin, Aloko made an impression against Lesotho by providing his first assist for the national team.
But his match came to an end in the 50th minute, when he collapsed on the pitch with a knee injury before being stretchered off.
Confirming the injury on Canal Sport, the sports program on local television station Canal 3 Benin (afriquesports.net), head coach Gernot Rohr said:”Unfortunately, we have a more serious injury, that of Rodolfo. He has a meniscus injury and needs surgery.
“He will likely miss the upcoming matches in October. It’s sad news because he was improving, with two very convincing performances.”
Benin Republic are currently in second place in Group C, and are on 14 points, just three points behind Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
There is the possibility that Benin Republic will go top of the group, before the final rounds of matches in the qualifiers in October if FIFA deduct three points and three goals from South Africa.
Bafana Bafana’s campaign could suffer a huge setback after they fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho in March. The South Africans won the game 2-0.
Benin Republic will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda on matchday 9 before ending the qualifiers against the Super Eagles in Uyo.If You’re Reading From Phoenix Click On Read Original To Read Full Article
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