Romaine Gandonou included as Benin unveil Women’s U20 World Cup squad

Benin have named the 21 players who will represent the country at their first-ever FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup, with Romaine Gandonou selected to lead the attack.

Head coach Abdoulaye Ouzerou has retained the core of the squad that secured Benin’s qualification for the tournament. The 21 Amazones will compete in Group A during the finals in Poland, where they will face the host nation, Argentina and Mexico.

Gandonou will be one of the main attacking threats for Benin’s Under-20 side. She is joined in the forward line by Soukou Hosane and Honfo Germaine.

The defensive responsibilities will be shared by Seibou Mistourath, Abikou Laura, Sadikou Nailatou and four other players named in Ouzerou’s squad. The selection also contains three goalkeepers and eight midfielders as Benin prepare for their first appearance at this level.

The squad is:

Goalkeepers Saizonou Larissa Ogoudare Esther Salifou Nadiath

Defenders Seibou Mistourath Abikou Laura Tetchri Jocelyne Alessane Assanatou Ebi Deo-Gratias Vidinhouede Estelle Sadikou Nailatou

Midfielders Lokossou Hermionne Awena Mouibath Sabin Manin Rakibatou Djibril Yasminath Gbadessi Angela Chigblo Pierrette Toudonou Fidele Kpadonou Joelle

Forwards Gandonou Romaine Soukou Hosane Honfo Germaine

The tournament in Poland will mark a significant moment for Benin women’s football, with Ouzerou taking charge of a group that has already made history by delivering qualification for the global finals.

Benin have been placed alongside Poland, Argentina and Mexico in Group A. Their campaign will therefore begin against the host nation, before they also meet the South American and North American representatives.

Ouzerou’s decision to rely on much of the group that achieved qualification gives the squad continuity as the Amazones prepare for the biggest competition in their history. Gandonou, Soukou and Honfo will carry the attacking hopes, while the team’s defensive structure will be built around Mistourath, Abikou, Sadikou and their fellow defenders.

With 21 players selected, Benin will now turn their attention to the finals and the challenge of competing in a tournament they have never previously reached.