Benin – the country, the football
The Republic of Benin, a West African country officially recognized by the name of Benin, is the neighboring territory of Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
It has a small area of just about 112,622 km2, with a population estimated to be around 8,935,000 people.
These days, football is said to be one of Benin’s most interesting sports; however, there is no doubt their national football team Les Écureuils (meaning The Squirrels in English), are lacking of success.
Benin have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations only twice in their history – excluding their qualification for the 2010 edition in Angola – but unfortunately, both occasions turned out to be negative for them, as Les Écureuils were unable to reach the quarterfinals stage.
Having never qualified for the FIFA World Cup tournament, Benin are certainly going to put of all their strength in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations competition, for they have nothing to lose in any case.
Benin – The road to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
The draw for the Second Round of the Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifiers happened on November 25 2007 in South Africa, at a time where 48 African countries were all waiting impatiently for their fate.
Luckily, Benin were place in Pot B, and so, their run later on in Group 3 with Angola, Uganda and Niger wasn’t too difficult for them. Indeed, Les Écureuils finished at the top of their table with 12 points coming from 4 wins and 2 losses; and this was enough for them to pass in the next qualifying stage ahead of Second Round top seeds Angola.
Being among the 20 remaining teams of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Benin’s hopes of entering the most popular African football tournament were raised.
Pot 3 was their next site ahead of the draw for the Third Round, and this – of course – was not something they were happy to accept.
Nevertheless, Ghana, Mali, and Sudan managed to be their next opponents, as they were put in Group D. With 6 games to be played (3 at home, and 3 away), Les Écureuils knew it wouldn’t be easy to progress in the qualifiers; subsequent to the threat posed by strong contenders Ghana, and Mali.
Fortunately, Mali lost 3 points in their encounter against Ghana, and having missed 6 more points through 3 draws, Benin happened to be the Group D’s runners-up with 10 points; either 3 points behind leaders and former Africa Cup of Nations hosts, Ghana.
Benin – 2010 Africa Cup of Nations group stage
Benin were truly going for the best as they had secured a place in the tournament’s finals, but on another occasion, they were given the Pot 3 – this time, in the draw ahead of the group stage.
Unsurprisingly, Benin were the last team of their group to be drawn; and eventually, they found theirselves in Group C with African champions Egypt, experts Nigeria, and Pot 4 occupants Mozambique.
Certainly, one could think Les Écureuils would never overpower the forces of the Pharaohs and the Eagles; yet, one should also remember that if Benin were capable of succeeding in their mission to bounce back from their poor form and reach the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Angola, then they could at least give Egypt and Nigeria a tough time, regardless of the results of these particular matches.
Match-day 1:
Benin will play against Mozambique as the visitors in their first match of the 2010 Africa Cup of nations, in an afternoon kick-off beginning at 16:00 GMT in the Angolan city of Benguela.
Mozambique had hard times in their qualification for the tournament’s finals, and thus, Benin shouldn’t have too many difficulties starting their campaign in the competition confidently. There isn’t too much to expect from this game, but still, its outcome will be very important, as it could have an impact on the group’s first standings after match-day 1.
Match-day 2:
Benin will then be hosted by Nigeria in match-day 2 of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, at 16:00 GMT in Benguela.
Predictably, Nigeria should take advantage of this game to improve their position in the Group C’s table. Les Écureuils of Benin will then have to be very careful, and for sure, it will advisable to go in this match with a negative formation.
In fact, pressuring the Nigerian attackers with a crowd of back players could lighten the weight pressure throughout the match.
Match-day 3:
In due course, Benin will be welcomed by Egypt in the final match-day of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. This game will be played on January 20, at 16:00 GMT.
As the Africa Cup of Nations title holders, Egypt are expected to humble the Squirrels so as to lift their place in Group D. Normally, Benin would do well to fight the Pharaohs with a determined and optimist spirit; however, if ever they fail to do so, they could be troubled by a haunting nightmare.
Well, in the end, looking at the Egyptians from a respectful eye would definitely destroy Les Écureuils in front of the numerous Egyptian home supporters.
Benin – Quick Analysis: Expectations from the country and its top stars
As we know, Benin only have a few chances of progressing into the quarterfinals of the 2010 Africa Cup of nations. With Egypt and Nigeria both looking for preys to devour, it will be up to the country’s top stars to realize the dreams of the Beninese football lovers back at home.
Nevertheless, Benin are truly missing the services of strong African players; their might therefore lies in their manager, known by the name of Michel Dussuyer.
Michel Dussuyer:
The French man was appointed by the Benin FA in June 2008. Michel Dussuyer was the Ivory Coast’s assistant manager back in 2006, when the Elephants finished in second position of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt.
This time around, being in charge of the Benin national football team, Michel is expected to lead the Squirrels to success, as it would be his chance to put into application what he learnt while being under former Ivory Coast manager Henri Michel.
Benin – Current Africa Cup of Nations squad
On December 28, Benin Coach Michel Dussuyer revealed his squad for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Below is his list of selected players:
Goalkeepers:
V. Amoussou; R. Chitou; Y. Djidonou
Defenders:
K. Adenon; M. Adou; D. Chrysostome; E. Imorou; R. Johnson; J. Saloman; F. Singbo
Midfielders:
G. Adanhoume; J. Ahoueya; P. Angan; R. Boco; D. Koukou; M. Ogunbiyi; A. Seka; S. Sessegnon; S. Tchomogo
Forwards:
M. Aoudou; N. Kobena; R. Omotoyossi
Benin - African Cup of Nations record
Benin have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations only thrice since the tournament was first created. Let’s take a look at how Les Écureuils’ performance has been in the competition so far.
2010: Qualified as participants
2008, 2004: Round 1
On LiveSoccerTV.com, you will get exclusive coverage on Benin and the rest of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations participants as the site covers the entire tournament from January 10th to January 11th.
