Overview of Benin National Football Team
The Benin national football team, representing the West African nation of Benin, competes in international football matches and is managed by the Fédération Béninoise de Football. The team plays in various continental competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Known for their spirited play, they are coached by Michel Dussuyer as of recent updates.
Team History and Achievements
Benin’s national team has a rich history marked by steady progress on the African continent. Notably, they reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, which was their best performance to date. They have also participated in several FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns but have yet to qualify for a World Cup tournament.
Current Squad and Key Players
The squad features key players like Stiven Mendoza, who plays as a forward and has been instrumental in recent matches with his scoring ability. Other notable players include Cédric Hountondji, a defender known for his leadership on the field, and Jodel Dossou, an attacking midfielder who brings creativity to the team’s play.
Team Playing Style and Tactics
Benin typically employs a 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes attacking play through wing play and central penetrations. Their strengths lie in quick transitions from defense to attack and utilizing set pieces effectively. However, weaknesses include vulnerability to counterattacks due to high defensive lines.
Interesting Facts and Unique Traits
Benin is affectionately nicknamed “The Squirrels,” reflecting their agility and speed on the field. The team enjoys strong support from its fanbase known as “Les Ecureuils” (The Squirrels). A notable rivalry exists with Nigeria, adding excitement to matches between these neighboring nations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Benin’s upcoming fixtures?
The schedule includes several African Cup of Nations qualifiers against regional opponents where they aim to secure a spot in future tournaments.
Who are Benin’s top scorers?
Jodel Dossou leads as one of the top scorers with crucial goals during qualifying campaigns.
How does Benin perform defensively?
The team has shown improvement in defensive organization but still faces challenges against stronger attacking teams.
List & Rankings: Player Stats & Performance Metrics
- Jodel Dossou: Midfielder – 🎰 Key player with excellent passing stats ✅
- Cédric Hountondji: Defender – 💡 Known for tactical awareness ❌ Needs more assists
- Stiven Mendoza: Forward – 🎰 Top scorer with high goal conversion rate ✅
Comparisons with Other Teams in the League or Division
In comparison to other teams within their division, Benin often showcases more aggressive offensive tactics but can be outmatched defensively by teams like Ghana or Nigeria who have stronger squad depth.
Case Studies: Notable Matches
A breakthrough game was their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match against Tunisia where they secured a surprising victory that propelled them into the quarter-finals—a testament to their potential on larger stages.
| Recent Form Summary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Opponent | Result | Odds at Betwhale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023-05-15 | Nigeria | D 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023-06-02 | Ghana | L 1-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023-07-10 | Togo | V 1-0 🎰✅ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Head-to-head Records Against Major Rivals (Last 5 Years) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rival Team | Total Games | Benin Wins </th | Drew </th | Rival Wins | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nigeria | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Togo | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2
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