Benin’s goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou has opened up about the goal that sealed their 1-0 friendly defeat to Morocco in Fez on Monday — an exquisite overhead kick from Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi that proved decisive late in the first half.
With the match poised at 0-0, El Kaabi capitalised on a perfectly weighted long ball from Adam Masina to deliver a spectacular acrobatic volley inside the penalty area.
Despite diving to block the effort, Dandjinou was unable to prevent the strike from hitting the back of the net, marking El Kaabi’s 28th goal in 53 appearances for the Atlas Lions.
Reflecting on the goal during a post-match interview on Beninese television, Dandjinou admitted that concentration lapses and an unexpected rebound contributed to the moment that shifted the game’s momentum.
“On the goal, I can say that it was perhaps a lack of concentration. We weren’t expecting it. But the rebound changed everything,” he explained. “If the ball came straight in, I would have saved it. The little bounce changed everything.”
The Beninese shot-stopper’s comments reveal the fine margins involved in that pivotal moment, as the ball’s subtle deflection made the difference between a routine save and an unstoppable strike.
Though Dandjinou’s overall performance was solid, this particular goal underlined the challenges faced by the defence in containing Morocco’s attacking threat.
Dandjinou also highlighted the defensive shortcomings that left El Kaabi unmarked in a dangerous position. “The defence was a bit passive, and that allowed El Kaabi to be free behind us,” he acknowledged.
This vulnerability ultimately proved costly against a clinical finisher of El Kaabi’s calibre.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for JDR Stars in South Africa’s second division, has established himself as Benin’s first-choice custodian since supplanting Saturnin Allagbé. Allagbé, currently a substitute at Bulgarian side Botev Vratsa, had previously held the starting role. Dandjinou’s ascension to the top spot has come with growing expectations, especially as Benin prepares for upcoming competitive fixtures.
This recent match exposed areas where Dandjinou must sharpen his communication with the defensive line to avoid similar breakdowns in organisation.
Effective coordination between goalkeeper and defenders is essential to maintaining a solid backline, a factor that will be critical as the Beninese team approaches crucial qualifiers.
Despite the setback, Dandjinou’s candid assessment reflects a willingness to learn and improve. The defeat, while disappointing, offers valuable lessons for both the goalkeeper and the wider squad.
With Morocco’s goal the defining moment, the Beninese side now faces the task of regrouping and tightening their defensive structure in future encounters.
In summary, Marcel Dandjinou’s post-match reflections underscore the complexities goalkeepers face when dealing with moments of brilliance from world-class opponents.
The combination of a momentary lapse in concentration, a deflection, and defensive lapses culminated in a goal that denied Benin a positive result. As the team looks ahead, enhancing defensive cohesion and vigilance will be vital in striving for better outcomes.
🗣️Marcel Dandjinou🇧🇯 revient sur le but encaissé face au Maroc :
« Le 𝗥𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗗 a tout bouleversé. Si le ballon venait directement, j’allais sortir ça. Le petit rebond a tout changé. »
(🎥 @benintvsrtb) pic.twitter.com/YgIyEjqpCW
— Joueurs Béninois 🇧🇯 (@JoueursBJ) June 11, 2025
