Benin crash out of U20 WAFU B qualifying as Niger book last-four spot with Ivory Coast

Benin have been knocked out of the UFOA-B U20 tournament, which serves as the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, after a 1-0 defeat by Niger in Yamoussoukro.

Ismael Abdoulaziz scored the only goal of the Group A match on Wednesday, striking in the 68th minute to send Niger into the semi-finals alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire and end Benin’s campaign at the group stage.

Defeat leaves the Guepards Juniors with two losses from two matches, no goals scored and six conceded, confirming their elimination after just one round of fixtures.

Benin’s hopes ended after heavy start

Benin, coached by Raymond Tchaye, had gone into the Niger game knowing only victory would be enough to keep alive their chances of reaching the knock-out phase.

Their situation was already precarious following a heavy 5-0 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in their opening group fixture, a result that left them bottom of the pool and needing a response.

Tchaye’s side produced a more balanced and competitive display in the first half against Niger, managing to keep the match level at the break and contain their opponents’ threat.

However, their resistance broke in the second period, when Abdoulaziz found the net midway through the half to tilt the contest decisively in Niger’s favour.

Benin were unable to recover and failed again to register a goal, exiting the competition without a point and with a goal difference of minus six.

Niger and Cote d’Ivoire to battle for top spot

Niger’s victory confirms their progress to the semi-finals and guarantees that both they and Cote d’Ivoire will advance from Group A.

The two sides will now meet on the final matchday of the group to determine who finishes first and who takes second place heading into the last four.

For Benin, the early elimination extends a difficult recent record at this level, coming just two years after they were also knocked out in the first round at the 2024 edition of the tournament.