Benin shock Angola and qualify for the final phase

Benin recorded what is probably their best ever victory over the weekend at home in Cotonou by defeating 2006 World Cup finalists Angola 3-2. The victory has guaranteed Benin a place in the final round of World Cup qualification as group winners and leaves Angola’s fate poised on the knife’s edge.

Benin came into the match with revenge on their minds after they were humiliated by the Palancas Negras 3-0 in Luanda earlier in the campaign. Knowing that a victory would see them through in all likelihood the Squirrels of Benin played a marvelous match that saw them take all three points.

The match could not have started in better fashion for Benin as defender Abdou Khaled Adenon scored in the opening minutes to give Benin the perfect start. That perfect start however was soon compromised as Angola would not go down easily and prolific striker Flavio soon leveled the proceedings. The match would go into the half at 1-1. A result that both sides would probably have accepted at the end of the match.

The second half though would bring even more goals and one of if not the biggest ones in Benin football history. The man of the hour for Benin would be Nigerian born striker Razak Omotoyossi who would score twice in the 52nd and 65th minutes to give Benin a seemingly unassailable advantage. Angola would again demonstrate their fighting mentality by getting one of the goals back through Loco in the 78th minute. However there would be no miracle comeback for Angola and Benin would see out the 3-2 victory sending their supporters into a fit of delirium.

The win coupled with Niger’s shock victory over Uganda clinched the group for Benin and a place in the final round of qualification. It was only fitting that Omotoyossi was the hero for Benin as he has been their star performer of qualifying with 5 goals in total including two in the huge 4-1 home victory over Uganda back in June.

The victory was even more impressive considering Benin were without star Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Stéphane Sessegnon. Though it must also be said that Angola manager Luís Oliveira Gonçalves left out some of his sides most able performers including Ze Kalanga, Rui Marques and new Manchester United striker Manucho. Angola instead opted for a young squad and paid the price for it as they were unable to overcome a determined Benin side.

Benin now goes into their final qualifier of the round away to Uganda with nothing left to play for. The result of that match is meaningless for Benin though it means everything to Uganda as well as to Angola.

Onwards march Benin with their eyes firmly fixated on greater glory.