Benin has advanced to the second round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 qualifiers after securing a 3-1 victory over Sierra Leone in the return leg on Monday.
The win, which brought the aggregate score to 5-2, confirmed the Amazons’ place in the next stage of the competition.
From the opening whistle, Benin took control, applying relentless pressure on the Sierra Leonean defense.
Their efforts paid off in the first half, with Marguerite Ahouassou breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute.
Just seven minutes later, Germaine Hounfo doubled the lead, putting Benin in a commanding position before the break.
Sierra Leone responded with tactical adjustments in the second half, seeking to overturn the deficit.
They pushed forward in search of goals but left spaces at the back, which Benin capitalized on in stoppage time.
In the 93rd minute, Aude Gbédjissi sealed the victory with a late strike, extinguishing any hopes of a Sierra Leonean comeback.
A consolation goal for the visitors in the dying moments of the match did little to change the outcome.
With this result, Benin moves on to face Nigeria in the second round of qualifiers, with the two-legged tie set for October.
The challenge ahead will be formidable, but the Amazons’ strong showing in this round signals their determination to compete on the continental stage.
