Senegal faces one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, Benin, in the first quarter-final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, with a coveted spot in the semi-finals on the line.
The Lions of Teranga arrive as clear favorites. Under coach Aliou Cissé, Senegal has impressed throughout the competition, recording victories in nearly all their matches, save for a group-stage defeat to Algeria. Sadio Mané, their talisman and attacking spearhead, leads a squad brimming with 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’ve achieved good results,” Cissé told the CAF website. “In Africa, there are no more 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 every area. The competition is tough, and it’s hot too.” His remarks underline the respect Senegal has for the Squirrels, who have already turned heads with their resilient performances, particularly their penalty shootout win over Morocco in the round of 16.
Senegal’s squad, while physically and mentally prepared, has also focused on recovery. “At the end of the match against Uganda, we were a bit worn down, but we need to get back to work with recovery and rest,” Cissé explained. The emphasis remains on the collective effort, with Mané understanding that individual brilliance must serve the team. “For Sadio Mané, the important thing is to fight for the team and the collective. He understands that the team comes before individual talent. We are ambitious, and we know we can go far in this competition. I’ve always said it: we’ll take it one match at a time.”
Benin, led by striker Steve Mounié, enters this encounter as a resilient and disciplined unit. The Squirrels have impressed by holding strong in their group stage matches and then eliminating Morocco in a dramatic penalty shootout. While Senegal boasts more experience and individual talent, Benin’s mental fortitude and tactical organization make them capable of causing an upset.
This quarter-final promises to be a battle of strength, skill, and strategy. Senegal aims to assert dominance and continue their pursuit of the title, while Benin seeks to extend their historic run in Egypt and prove that determination and teamwork can challenge even the continent’s elite.
Kick-off for this tantalizing first quarter-final is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 PM UTC, with Sadio Mané and Steve Mounié set to lead their sides in a match that could define the tournament’s narrative.
