Benin Knock off the Desert Hawks 1-0

Benin earned their first three points of the final qualifying round with a 1-0 defeat of Sudan at home. The result vaults Benin into second place in the group behind pace setters and favorites Ghana who have maximum points after a convincing 2-0 win in Bamako over Mali as well as a 1-0 win at home over Benin courtesy of a Prince Tagoe goal in the opening minutes.

Benin faced a must win home match against Sudan and Razak Omotoyossi who has become a talismanic figure delivered the lone goal that propelled Benin to victory in the 22nd minute. It was Omotoyossi’s 7th goal of qualifying. Benin are now the best positioned team in the group to challenge Ghana as Sudan and Mali are both wallowing five points behind the Black Stars. However, Benin has two incredibly tough fixtures upcoming against the Malians. These two matches will determine whether Benin will seriously challenge Ghana for a World Cup berth. The two matches will also play a pivotal role in whether Benin can qualify for their third Nations Cup in Angola.

The win in Sudan while not wholly convincing is a starting point. Against Mali, Benin will have to prove their mettle. Hopefully Benin can take yet another step on the transformation from minnow to a side capable of making it to the world’s grandest stage.