The Benin U20 women’s national team pulled off a gutsy draw (1-1) against Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Saturday, keeping their qualification hopes alive ahead of the second leg.
a tough battle in ivory coast
The clash between the young Ivorian and Beninese sides didn’t disappoint. Played in front of a roaring home crowd, the match was packed with physical intensity and relentless effort from both teams. The first leg of the knockout qualifiers ended in a stalemate, with neither side able to break the deadlock until late in the game.
The hosts started strong, riding the wave of home support and pushing hard for an early goal. But the Benin U20s stood firm, absorbing pressure with tactical discipline. When Ivory Coast finally broke through, the Amazones didn’t panic—they dug in and fought back.
a comeback that counts
With sheer determination, the Beninese side clawed their way back into the game. That away goal is a huge advantage—scoring in an opponent’s backyard often tilts the odds in your favor, especially in high-stakes knockout matches.
The final 1-1 scoreline mirrored the evenly matched contest. While Ivory Coast will feel hard done by not securing a win, Benin can hold their heads high knowing they didn’t leave empty-handed from Abidjan.
all to play for at home
Now, the second leg in Benin will decide who advances. With the draw, the Amazones U20 are in a strong position. Even a clean 0-0 or a narrow victory at home would be enough to send them through to the next round.
“The girls showed real heart out there,” said a team insider. “Coming from behind in Ivory Coast isn’t easy. Now, we’ve got to stay sharp and finish the job in front of our own fans.”
Benin’s supporters are already buzzing for the return fixture, ready to turn the stadium into a fortress and cheer their team into the next stage of the competition.
