Benin skipper Steve Mounie has described the tense and dangerous atmosphere his team faced in Libya during their final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The encounter, played under high stakes, ended in a goalless draw, ensuring Benin’s qualification for the tournament but igniting chaos from Libyan fans.
Speaking to Soccernet.ng, Steve Mounie lamented the hostile reception his team endured.
“It wasn’t easy. It was really a war zone. This Libyan team, this country and its supporters didn’t respect us at the start of the match. They whistled our national anthem, and we made it personal,” Mounie said.
The match was critical for both teams, with Libya needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, the goalless result left them short of the points required to progress, sparking violent reactions from the home supporters.
According to reports, Benin players and staff were attacked as they attempted to leave the stadium. The team’s coach, Gernot Rohr, sustained injuries and received treatment in the team bus.
Despite the challenges, Mounie praised the resilience of his teammates:
“We wanted to come out of this match with qualification. We did it with difficulty. Benin is at the CAN 2025. We can be proud of what we have achieved with this group of young players.”
While Benin celebrates their qualification, the incident raises concerns about the safety and sportsmanship standards in international football. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to comment on the situation, but disciplinary measures are expected in the coming weeks.
The harrowing experience underscores the importance of ensuring fair play and the safety of all players and officials in football matches.
