Benin
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The Benin national football team is one of the emerging forces in African football. The Benin football team, also known as “Les Écureuils” (The Squirrels) and “Les Guépards” (The Cheetahs). The Benin national football team is part of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and is controlled by the Fédération Béninoise de Football (FBF).
The Benin football team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. However, the team has managed to qualify for the AFCON five times. The 2019 AFCON in particular remains their most remarkable appearance in history. The team made it all the way to the quarter-finals. En route, they secured draws against Ghana, Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau, advancing to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. In the Round of 16, they defeated the Morocco national football team in penalties to secure one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. However, they fell short to Senegal, losing 1-0 in the quarter-finals. The Benin national football team qualified for the 2026 AFCON under the Benin national football team manager, Gernot Rohr, after securing a 0-0 draw against Libya, finishing second in their qualification group.
The Benin football team has been one of the emerging African sides recently. The team is currently ranked 92nd in the FIFA World Rankings. Controlled by the Fédération Béninoise de Football (FBF), the Benin national football team played their first ever match on 8 November 1959, losing 1-0 to Nigeria. The Benin national football team nickname is the “Les Écureuils” and “Les Guépards".
The team is renowned for producing some of the upcoming talents in African football. While various Benin national football team players are known for making a mark for some of the biggest clubs, many consider Stéphane Sessègnon to be the greatest Benin player to grace the game, and he also ranks among the greatest African players ever. He holds the record for most appearances for the country, earning 89 caps for the country.
The all-time top scorer for the Benin football team is Stéphane Sessègnon, who has scored 24 goals for the nation.
The current Benin national football team coach is Gernot Rohr, taking over the reins in 2023. The Benin national football team stadium is the Stade de l'Amitié. The Benin national football team players primarily speak the French language. Here are some of the facts about the Benin football team.
| Confederation | CAF |
| President of Benin Football Federation | Moucharafou Anjorin |
| Nickname | “Les Écureuils”, “Les Guépards" |
| National Stadium | Stade de l'Amitié |
| Capacity | 35,000 |
| Manager/Head Coach | Gernot Rohr |
The Fédération Béninoise de Football (FBF) is the governing body of footballing activities in Benin. Founded in 1960, it oversees professional, semi-professional, and amateur football in Benin, as well as playing a huge role in player development. The FBF organizes all the major leagues and cup competitions in the country. Headed by Moucharafou Anjorin, the FBF manages all the activities of the men's and women's national teams.
The Fédération Béninoise de Football (FBF) became a member of FIFA in 1962 and a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1963. The federation had found itself in controversy often, with the most prominent one being in 2011. President Moucharafou Anjorin was arrested for the misappropriation of the FBF's funds. He was remanded in custody and is currently pending a trial.
Benin national football team played its first ever match against Nigeria on 8 November 1959, losing 1-0. The team qualified for their first AFCON tournament in 2004; however, they finished last in their group. In 2010, federation president Moucharafou Anjorin was arrested. The members of the federation condemned the arrest, with 12 out of the 15 members resigning in protest.
Benin football team secured their first-ever points at AFCON during the 2010 edition, when they drew with Mozambique. However, the team failed to advance to the next round. On 8 December 2010, the FBF, unable to accept the team's group stage exits in the last three editions, disbanded the national team as well as sacked the manager and his staff. On 9 May 2016, FIFA banned Benin after FBF was found blocking the country's elections. The Benin national football team had their best-ever AFCON run in 2019, when they advanced all the way to the quarter-finals, before falling to Senegal.
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The Benin national football team plays its home matches in the Stade de l'Amitié or the Friendship Stadium. Located in Cotonou, it serves as the home ground of both the men's and women's national teams. The stadium was opened in 1982. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000. The stadium hosted the CAF Confederation Cup Final in 2021.
The Benin football team currently does not have any major titles. However, with the rapid development and expansion of the sport in the nation, Benin is expected to be one of the emerging forces in African football.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the President of the Benin Football Federation?
Moucharafou Anjorin is the president of the Benin Football Federation.
Has the Benin National Football Team Ever Won a Trophy?
No, the Benin National Football Team hasn't won any major trophies.
Who is Benin National Football Team Top Scorer?
Stéphane Sessègnon is the top scorer of the Benin National Football Team, scoring 24 goals for the nation.
Where is Benin ranked in football?
Benin is currently ranked 92nd in the recent FIFA rankings.
In which year, the Benin National Football Team played their first match?
Benin played it first match in 1959, losing 1-0 to Nigeria.
What is Benin National Football Team’s highest finish in a Fifa World Cup Tournament?
Currently, the Benin national football team has failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
What language does the Benin National Football Team Speak?
The Benin National Football Team players speak French.
Who is Benin National Football Team Best Player of All Time?
Stéphane Sessègnon is considered the best Benin Football Team player of all time.
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