Romaine Gandonou inspires Benin comeback as Mexico held at U20 Womens World Cup

Benin recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Mexico in a historic opening match at the U20 Women’s World Cup, with Romaine Gandonou scoring twice to secure a valuable point for the Amazones.

The Group A encounter took place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at Widzew Stadium in Łodz. Mexico appeared to be in control after establishing a two-goal lead, but Benin showed considerable resilience to rescue a draw in the closing stages.

Alice Soto opened the scoring for Mexico in the 21st minute, giving her side the advantage before the interval. Benin were unable to respond before half-time and faced an even more difficult task when Saldivar doubled Mexico’s lead six minutes after the restart.

At that stage, the result appeared to be heading firmly in Mexico’s favour. Benin, however, refused to allow the match to slip away and began a determined fightback.

Gandonou gave the African side renewed hope from the penalty spot in the 56th minute. Her successful effort reduced the deficit to one goal and transformed the momentum of the contest.

The Amazones continued to push for an equaliser, and their persistence was rewarded in the 87th minute. Gandonou struck again to complete a dramatic double and bring Benin level at 2-2.

The late equaliser completed a remarkable recovery for a side that had been trailing by two goals. It also delivered what was described as a historic draw for Benin on their first day of the tournament.

Although neither team took maximum points, Benin’s comeback means they begin their Group A campaign with a positive result. The point could prove important as the team attempts to reach the last 16.

Gandonou’s contribution was decisive throughout the second half. Her penalty brought Benin back into contention, before her late goal ensured that the Amazones left Łodz with a share of the points.

Mexico had looked capable of claiming victory after Soto’s first-half strike and Saldivar’s goal early in the second half. Instead, Benin’s determination overturned the match’s direction and denied Mexico the win.

The 2-2 result gives Benin an ideal starting point in the race for the knockout stages. After being placed under severe pressure by Mexico’s two-goal advantage, the team responded with the character required to remain in contention for qualification from Group A.