Benin’s U20 national team will face Togo in a closed-door double-header this Friday in Grand-Popo, as part of their intensified preparations for the upcoming UFOA B U20 Cup in Ghana.
Originally slated for June, the tournament was postponed, prompting head coach Raymond Tchaye and his technical staff to recalibrate the team’s training schedule.
Since June 27, the Junior Cheetahs have been immersed in a rigorous camp held in Missérété before shifting base to the Cotonou annex stadium, where final tactical adjustments are underway.
Determined to build momentum ahead of the regional tournament, the Benin squad will use the double encounter against Togo as a crucial barometer for their readiness.
The matches are expected to provide the technical crew with insight into both individual and collective dynamics, especially in terms of attacking efficiency and defensive solidity.
Coach Raymond Tchaye expressed optimism about the squad’s current form and mentality following a midweek training session.
“The team is showing a very encouraging face. The boys are ready to face any opponent,” he stated confidently, underlining the positive spirit within the group.
The preparation programme was restructured to maintain competitive sharpness and ensure continuity despite the scheduling change.
With the tournament now set for later this month in Ghana, the Junior Cheetahs are determined not to let the delay disrupt their momentum.
The coaching staff has been placing emphasis on fitness, tactical discipline, and teamwork throughout the camp.
Benin’s U20s have been grouped with some of West Africa’s most competitive sides and know that a strong start in Ghana will be essential to making a deep run in the tournament.
These warm-up games against Togo are being treated as full dress rehearsals, with the technical staff keen on testing various formations, evaluating player combinations, and fine-tuning set-piece execution.
The training camp is scheduled to continue until July 7, giving the team just enough time to consolidate its structure before departing for Ghana.
The objective, according to those close to the squad, is to not only compete but to position Benin as a serious contender in the sub-regional competition.
This year’s edition of the UFOA B U20 Cup carries added weight, as it serves both as a regional showpiece and a scouting ground for young talent.
For Benin, it is also an opportunity to build on recent progress made at the youth level and confirm their development pathway toward senior national team integration.
With strong performances in the upcoming friendlies, the Junior Cheetahs hope to arrive in Ghana well-prepared, both physically and mentally.
The players are acutely aware that standout performances could open doors for continental and international opportunities, making every minute on the pitch count as they aim to represent their country with pride and ambition.
