Benin Fans Rally Behind Underdogs as Historic CAN Match Against Morocco Looms

Like David against Goliath, the "Squirrels", with little experience at the CAN, are not ready to be moved by the eternal regulars of this continental competition. They are determined to tame the "Atlas Lions" in order to write a new page in their history. This is, at least, the conviction of every Beninese, committed to the cause of the national team. For having held the "Indomitable Lions", the defending champions, in check, the protégés of Michel Dussuyer intend to take on the "Atlas Lions", by presenting an attractive football, as was the case against the formidable "Black Stars" of Ghana. If, for the moment, they have not recorded any victory since the start of the competition, the Beninese team players are aware of the danger that awaits them and the quality of the opponent. To this end, the captain, Stéphane Sèssègnon, and his teammates are counting a lot on the support of the supporters, both on the field and in the country.

Awaiting this historic encounter, despite the setbacks suffered by the Squirrels in previous confrontations between the two teams, the Beninese believe in the qualification of their representatives in this CAN. "We will beat Morocco. If the "Squirrels" were able to shake the "Indomitable Lions" of Cameroon, hope is allowed for us to prevail over these "Atlas Lions"," launches a Beninese Internet user, on social networks which are inflamed with comments, since the qualification of the national team to these round of 16.

In one of the restaurants located on the esplanade of the Friendship Stadium, in the heart of the metropolis, even if doubts persist in some places, the bets are going well. "I bet on the Squirrels with a score of 1 goal to 0," announces a supporter. His counterpart, on the other hand, expresses doubts about the behavior of the Squirrels. "Our players are good but they disappoint when we count a lot on them," he laments.

On the side of the Government and the sports authorities, the promises follow one another. For the rest of the competition, the players will be given a house if they reach the semi-final stage, promised the President of the Beninese Football Federation (FBF), Mathurin de Chacus, pending those of the Government.

The President of the Republic, Patrice Talon, at the end of the qualification of the national team, surprised them on the phone, congratulating them rightly. For the Minister of Sports, Oswald Homéky, any draw is a victory. This watchword launched, at the end of the draw against the Ghanaian team, has galvanized the "Squirrels" who are already ready to face the "Atlas Lions" this Friday, July 5, 2019.