Drawn into Group F of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Cameroon, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau, Benin faces a challenging path in Egypt next June. To ensure they are well-prepared for the continental tournament, the Squirrels have announced a series of three friendly matches aimed at fine-tuning tactics and assessing opponents.
Benin’s preparations will officially begin on June 3 in Morocco, where the squad will gather for training sessions under the guidance of the coaching staff. The first friendly match is scheduled for June 11 against Mauritania, giving the team an opportunity to test their initial strategies in a competitive setting.
Six days later, on June 17, Benin will face Tunisia in their second preparatory match. This encounter will allow the Squirrels to confront a team with strong technical and tactical abilities, helping the coaching staff identify areas that require adjustment ahead of the AFCON.
Finally, Benin will conclude their friendly program on June 19 against Guinea Conakry, providing one last chance to finalize the game plan and assess the team’s readiness before the tournament officially begins. These matches are designed not only to refine Benin’s tactical approach but also to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the opponents, giving the coaching staff a clearer picture of how to approach the challenges in Group F.
This structured preparation highlights the ambition of Benin’s squad to compete strongly despite being in a difficult group with traditional powerhouses like Cameroon and Ghana. By facing a mix of teams in the friendlies, the Squirrels aim to gain both confidence and match fitness, which will be crucial in Egypt when they face some of Africa’s toughest sides.
Benin’s preparation schedule for AFCON 2019:
- June 3: Start of preparations in Morocco
- June 11: Friendly match vs. Mauritania
- June 17: Friendly match vs. Tunisia
- June 19: Friendly match vs. Guinea Conakry
Through these carefully planned fixtures, Benin hopes to arrive in peak condition for the Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to make a mark in a highly competitive group.
