Senegal faces one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, Benin, in the first quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, with a coveted semi-final spot at stake.
The Teranga Lions arrive as clear favorites. Under coach Aliou Cissé, Senegal have impressed throughout the competition, winning almost all of their matches, barring a group stage defeat to Algeria. Sadio Mané, their talisman and offensive spearhead, leads a squad full of talent, tactical discipline and confidence. Senegal’s collective strength, combined with the ability of key individuals to change games, makes them a formidable opponent in any knockout match.
Despite the apparent mismatch on paper, Cissé has urged his players to approach Benin with humility and caution. “Facing Benin will be a difficult match. Benin’s presence in this competition means they have obtained good results,” Cissé said on the CAF website. “In Africa there are no longer small teams and we will take Benin very seriously. Humility and modesty are crucial. Benin is a serious team, with talented individuals and quality in all areas. The competition is tough and also exciting.” His comments underline the respect Senegal has for the Squirrels, who have already attracted attention with their resilient performances, particularly their penalty shootout victory over Morocco in the round of 16.
The Senegal squad, although physically and mentally prepared, has also focused on recovery. “At the end of the game against Uganda we were a little worn out, but we have to get back to work, recover and rest,” Cissé explained. The emphasis remains on collective effort, and Mané understands that individual brilliance must serve the team. “For Sadio Mané, the important thing is to fight for the team and for the collective. He understands that the team is above individual talent. We are ambitious and we know that we can go far in this competition. I have always said it: we will go game by game.”
Benin, led by forward Steve Mounié, come into this match as a resilient and disciplined unit. The Squirrels have impressed by holding their own in their group matches and then eliminating Morocco in a spectacular penalty shootout. While Senegal has more experience and individual talent, Benin’s mental strength and tactical organization allow them to cause a surprise.
These quarterfinals promise to be a battle of strength, skill and strategy. Senegal look to assert their dominance and continue their title chase, while Benin look to extend their historic run in Egypt and prove that determination and teamwork can challenge even the continent’s elite.
The start of this tantalizing first quarter-final is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 pm UTC, with Sadio Mané and Steve Mounié set to lead their teams in a match that could define the narrative of the tournament.