Benin

Benin

The Squirrels have won one, drawn one and lost twice in their last four outings, a mixed run that reflects a side capable of competing but inconsistent in execution. Victory over Guinea came 1-0, a narrow win that showed defensive solidity. The draw at home to Niger, finishing 1-1, suggests Benin can hold their own against modest opposition but struggle to break through when chances are limited.

Recent Form

The defeats tell a harsher story. Egypt dismantled them 3-1, exposing defensive vulnerabilities that proved costly. Worse came the 3-0 hammering by Senegal, a result that laid bare the gap between Benin and the continent's stronger sides. Conceding three goals twice in four matches is a concern that cannot be overlooked.

What emerges is a team that can trouble opponents on their day - the Guinea win proves that - but lacks the consistency or defensive discipline to string results together. They are capable of holding draws against weaker teams and grinding out narrow victories, yet when they face quality opposition, the gaps widen quickly. The Senegal result in particular suggests a significant drop-off in intensity or tactical awareness when the pressure mounts. Benin will need tighter defensive organisation and greater clinical finishing if they are to improve on this trajectory.