Burkina Faso v Benin: Enama urges Guepards to attack in ‘very decisive’ Cup of Nations opener

Roger Janvier Enama has called on Benin to abandon an overly defensive approach and target victory against Burkina Faso in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The Guepards begin their Group F campaign against the seeded Etalons in Ouagadougou, with Mauritania and Central African Republic also in the section. The tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Enama, a coach, academy president and football consultant, believes the previous friendly between the two countries – which Benin lost – should not determine Friday evening’s outcome.

He described the fixture as “very decisive” for Benin and said the team must build on its recent performances against leading African sides, including Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire.

In his view, Benin are no longer a side that should automatically sit back against stronger opponents. The difference now lies “simply in the tactical systems, determination and desire to win the match”.

The consultant also pointed to the quality of Benin’s current generation, highlighting Besiktas midfielder Junior Olaitan as an example of a squad capable of competing with any African team.

Burkina Faso have the edge on paper

Enama acknowledged that Burkina Faso appear stronger when the two squads are compared in terms of experience and the level of their domestic leagues.

Amir Abdou’s selection includes a largely European-based core, with Herve Koffi, Edmond Tapsoba, Nasser Djiga, Issa Kabore, Dango Ouattara and Lassina Traore among those playing in western, northern or eastern European leagues.

Enama estimates that around “80%” of the Burkina Faso squad play in Europe. Benin’s squad is more evenly divided, with about “60%” based in Europe and “40% in other leagues”. Olaitan, who plays for Besiktas, is the most prominent example of their European contingent.

That difference, however, should not decide the contest. Enama believes the outcome will depend on Benin’s tactical organisation, intensity and ability to prevent Burkina Faso from dictating the pace.

He wants the Guepards to press high rather than remain in a deep defensive block. His suggested plan is to apply strong pressure for about 20 minutes, drop into a low block for 15 minutes and finish each half with another 10-minute spell of increased intensity.

The aim is not a disorganised press, but to “cut the match in two”, disrupt Burkina Faso’s build-up and deny them easy possession. Enama also called for Benin to break the lines, close down the player in possession, maintain coordinated pressing and counter-pressing, and manage attacking and defensive transitions properly.

Three points the target

Enama said Benin should not begin the qualifying campaign by calculating what result would be acceptable. Their sole ambition should be three points.

The teams have met 19 times, according to his record: Burkina Faso have won 10 matches, Benin five, while four have ended in draws. He believes that history matters less than the approach taken on the night.

Enama praised Gernot Rohr as “someone with enough experience who knows what he wants”, while advising the coach to trust his players and allow them to express themselves.

Both teams, he added, are now supported by professional coaching staffs. Individual ability can no longer be used as an excuse, leaving the match to be decided by tactical execution and mentality.

The available match odds list Benin at 6.50 to win, a draw at 3.60 and Burkina Faso at 1.47.