CAN 2010 preview – Benin v Egypt

Game: Benin vs Egypt (African Nations Cup Group C)
Date: 20th January 2010
KO time: 17:00 Angolan time
Venue: Complexo da Sr da Graca, Benguela

Benin have left themselves with a lot of work to do after managing to collect only a single point from their first two games. They play a confident Egypt side who have already topped the group. Egypt might rest some key players ahead of this tie – something for the Squirrels to exploit.

Benin – recent form – most recently played game on top
Benin 0-1 Nigeria
Benin 2-2 Mozambique ( Razak Omotoyossi, Dario Khan OG)
Benin 1-0 Libya (Stephane Sessegnon)
Sudan 1-2 Benin ( Razak Omotoyossi, Romauld Boco)
Benin 1-0 Ghana (Mohamed Aoudou )

Benin have been very strong in recent games but have failed when it mattered the most. They let slip a 2-0 lead against Mozmbique thanks to some poor goalkeeping by Yoaan Djidonou. The game against Nigeria was always going to be a difficult one. Romauld Boco handled the ball inside the penalty box to gift Nigeria a penalty which was slotted home by Yakubu. Sessegnon, Tchomogo, Omotoyossi and Kobena were very lively against Nigeria and Omotoyossi in particular would be the major threat for Egypt.

Benin need to win against Egypt to make it to the next round. But a win will not guarentee qualification. They would also need Mozambique to defeat Nigeria in the other game and hope that they have a better goal difference.

Egypt – recent form – most recently played game on top

Egypt 2-0 Mozambique (Dario Khan OG, Gedo)
Egypt 3-1 Nigeria (Moetab, Hassan, Gedo)
Egypt 1-0 Mali ( Mohamed Nagui)
Egypt 1-1 Malawi ( Hosni Abd Rabo)
Algeria 1-0 Egypt

Egypt have been the best team in the tournament so far and have been the only team to have won all their games. They will be looking to rest some of their key players like Moetab, Ghaly, Rabo and Gomaa in this “dead rubber” for the Pharaohs. The Egyptians even have an impeccable disciplinary record having not picked up a single yellow in their two games.

Match Verdict: I fancy Benin to get a point out of this game. But that wouldn’t be enough and will see them knocked out of the tournament.

Benin 1-1 Egypt (Sessegnon//Zidan)