At a press conference on Tuesday, Benin’s coach Michel Dussuyer announced the squad of 23 players for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. The list, largely expected, reflects Dussuyer’s confidence in a group that performed admirably at the previous Africa Cup of Nations. While there were no major surprises, the squad does feature the absence of Saturnin Allagbé, sidelined due to injury, and defensive stalwart Khaled Adenon, both of whom are unavailable for selection.
The squad includes experienced and influential players such as captain Stéphane Sessegnon, the battle-hardened midfielder Sessi D’Almeida, and forwards Steve Mounié and Mickaël Poté. Also selected are Jodel Dossou, known for his creativity on the ball, and newcomer Melvyn Doremus, who earns his first call-up. Dussuyer’s selection strikes a balance between seasoned internationals and emerging talents, aiming to combine experience with dynamism ahead of crucial qualifiers.
Benin will open its qualification campaign with a match against Nigeria on November 13, followed by a fixture against Sierra Leone on November 19. These matches are pivotal for Dussuyer’s team, as they look to secure points in a competitive group and build momentum for the tournament.
The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared among Farnolle Fabien of Malatyaspor in Turkey, Kakpo Chérif Dine of Buffles de Borgou in Benin, and Dandinou Marcel of ESAE FC, Benin. The trio provides reliable coverage between the posts, combining domestic familiarity with international experience to ensure defensive stability.
In defense, Benin will rely on eight players, including Assogba Youssouf of Amiens in France, Melvyn Doremus from AF Bobigny in France, Hountondji Cédric of Clermont Foot, Emmanuel Imorou of Evian Thonon Gaillards, David Kiki from Brest, Ayike Jean Ogouchi of Dragons de l’Ouémé, Olivier Verdon of KAS Eupen in Belgium, and Nabil Yarou from Buffles de Borgou. The defenders bring a mixture of European exposure and local knowledge, offering both tactical versatility and physical presence at the back.
The midfield consists of six players: Jordan Adeoti (Auxerre, France), Agossa Bonou Jérôme (AC Djoliba, Mali), Sessi D’Almeida (Valenciennes, France), Mama Seibou (Toulon, France), Stéphane Sessegnon (Gençlerbirliği SK, Turkey), and Tidjani Anaane (AS Soliman, Tunisia). This group balances creativity, defensive coverage, and experience, providing the link between defense and attack while helping to control the tempo of games.
Benin’s attacking options include six forwards: Yannick Aguemon (OH Leuven, Belgium), Jodel Dossou (Hartberg, Austria), Marcelin Koukpo (CS Hammam-Lif, Tunisia), Steve Mounié (Huddersfield, England), Mickaël Poté (BB Erzurumspor, Turkey), and Soukou Cebio (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany). With a combination of speed, technical skill, and finishing ability, these players are expected to lead the team’s offensive efforts and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
With a squad blending experienced internationals and new talent, Dussuyer aims to secure a strong start in the AFCON qualifiers. The upcoming matches against Nigeria and Sierra Leone will test Benin’s cohesion, strategy, and competitive edge, with the team determined to advance toward the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
