CAN 2023: Mozambique wins its ticket, Benin can blame itself
The sixth and final day of qualifying for CAN 2023 continued this Saturday afternoon, with the clash between Mozambique and Benin in Maputo in Group L. Despite a good start, the Cheetahs were defeated (3-2) and let slip the qualification for the benefit of the Mozambicans.
Another disappointment for the Beninese national football team. After missing qualification for the CAN on the last day of the two previous qualifying periods, the Cheetahs experienced the same disillusionment once again this Saturday afternoon.
Condemned to victory before the kick-off of this match against Mozambique, counting for the last day of the CAN 2023 qualifiers, the Beninese nevertheless started the match well. After a first alert in the opposing camp, Steve Mounié opened the scoring for his team in the 20th from the penalty spot (0-1). It was then believed that Gernot Rohr’s men had done the hardest part, but they will collapse in five minutes.
Witi equalized for the Mozambicans in the 27th minute, before Guima gave the home side the advantage in stride (2-1, 31st). The break came on this short difference. When they returned from the locker room, Benin got off to a good start. Jodel Dossou headed a center shot from Moumini to bring the two teams tied (2-2, 50th).
Galvanized by this second goal, the Beninese showed a little more to their advantage in this second period and chained together a few good chances without finding the fault again, the fault of a lack of realism or the solid opposing goalkeeper on his line. At the end of the match, Stéphane Sessegnon’s teammates, who came on during the game, had several opportunities to claim victory without being able to convert.
Behind, they will be punished by Clesio Bauque (95th) who offered victory and qualification to his team (3-2). Mozambique therefore offers its ticket to Côte d’Ivoire. For its part, Benin can harbor enormous regrets.