Argentina v Benin: Khaled Adenon urges Guepards to seize rare chance

Khaled Adenon believes Benin’s friendly against world champions Argentina represents a valuable opportunity for the country’s football, despite the huge challenge facing the Guepards.

Speaking to 229foot a few hours before the match, the former Benin captain said the occasion could benefit the national team’s players and officials regardless of how the fixture came about. He hopes Benin can produce an impressive performance, while recognising the significant difference between the two sides.

A chance to learn from the best

Adenon’s focus is on the experience the match can provide. Playing a team of Argentina’s calibre will allow Benin’s players to assess their progress, identify the areas that still require work and observe how one of the world’s leading football nations operates.

He said facing major teams “makes the team progress”, while giving officials the chance to study “the organisation of the great nations”. For the players, it offers the opportunity to “mix with these great players”.

The former international added that the match should be used “to learn, to grow and to mix with those great players”.

Although the result is not his main concern, Adenon admitted he would like to see Benin produce a surprise.

“I would like them to win this match,” he said.

He also called on the players to enjoy the occasion and give their full effort, urging them to “take pleasure” from the experience and “give everything for the shirt as usual”. He believes a match of this nature could remain a lasting memory for the Guepards.

Meeting Lionel Messi

The presence of Lionel Messi adds another layer to the occasion. Benin’s players will face one of football’s most prominent figures and experience an environment that is rarely available to them.

Adenon highlighted the particular circumstances surrounding the fixture, with the Guepards facing an opponent accustomed to competing at the highest level. The atmosphere and the quality of the opposition should create an experience that will be difficult to replicate.

Adenon realistic about Benin’s prospects

Despite wanting Benin to challenge Argentina, Adenon remains realistic about the balance of power. He sees the Guepards as outsiders and does not underestimate the scale of the task awaiting them.

However, he has not ruled out the possibility of an unexpected result. His view is that football cannot be decided entirely before the final whistle, leaving Benin with at least a small chance of defying expectations.

Ultimately, Adenon believes the fixture’s importance extends beyond the scoreline. The match should help Benin’s players and officials understand the demands of elite international football, while giving them an opportunity to learn and develop against a team operating at the highest level.

Ahead of the friendly, betting odds listed Benin’s chances of winning at 74, a draw at 45 and an Argentina victory at 1.03.