Steve Mounié closes in on Benin scoring record

Steve Mounié has moved to within one goal of becoming Benin’s all-time top scorer after netting his 23rd international goal in a narrow victory over Guinea during the March international break.

The Benin captain’s decisive strike secured a 1-0 win and saw him surpass the tally of the late Razack Omotoyossi, who had previously held second place with 22 goals.

Mounié now sits just behind Stéphane Sessegnon, whose record of 24 goals remains the highest in the nation’s history.

The goal, which came in his 66th appearance for the national side, signals a timely return to form for the 31-year-old striker.

Leading from the front, Mounié once again demonstrated his importance to the team, delivering the moment that ultimately settled the contest against Guinea.

His latest contribution also ended a relatively quiet spell in front of goal. Prior to this, Mounié had not scored for Benin since 9 September 2025, when he found the net during a 4-0 victory over Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

He had also struggled to make an impact during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he failed to register a goal.

However, the forward responded during the recent international window with renewed determination. His presence was felt not only through his finishing but also in his ability to create opportunities, underlining his continued influence within the squad.

Now just one goal away from matching Sessegnon’s long-standing record, Mounié stands on the brink of further history.

With several years potentially still ahead of him at international level, the opportunity to surpass that mark appears firmly within reach.

The Parakou-born striker has often spoken of his admiration for Sessegnon, widely regarded as a legend of Beninese football.

Yet, while acknowledging that legacy, Mounié continues to carve out his own path with consistent performances and decisive contributions.

For Benin supporters, there is growing belief that their captain is poised to claim the top spot outright. As Mounié edges closer to the milestone, anticipation is building that he could soon stand alone as the nation’s most prolific scorer.