Benin were frustrated by Guinea-Bissau, who held them to a 0-0 draw in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group F match at the Ismailia Stadium in Egypt on Saturday night.
The draw saw the Squirrels climb up to second place on the group standings – same points, 2, as Ghana who also drew with leaders Cameroon – with one game left, while the African Wild Dogs remained fourth on the table.
The Squirrels were the better side in the opening stages of the game as they looked to grab an early goal against the African Wild Dogs.
Mickael Pote, who scored a brace against Ghana on Tuesday, had a chance to open the scoring as early as the fourth minute, but the midfielder placed his header over the crossbar.
Pote’s teammate Steve Mounie, who is based in England, was proving a handful for the Guinea-Bissau defence, which was led by Fulham FC defender Marcelo Djalo.
Mounie was sent through on goal by Jordan Adeoti’s delightful pass in the 37th minute, but the former’s low shot was well-saved by Jonas Mendes in Guinea-Bissau goal.
Guinea-Bissau were then able to contain Benin and the score was 0-0 following a first half which was slightly dominated by the Squirrels.
The African Wild Dogs continued to contain the Squirrels after the restart and Benin head coach Michel Dussuyer decided to make a change.
Switzerland-based forward Jodel Dossou replaced Cebio Soukou just after the hour-mark as the West African side searched for the opening goal.
Benin should have broken the deadlock in the 75th minute when Stephane Sessegnon’s free-kick found Huddersfield Town striker Mounie, who headed over the crossbar.
Both teams launched attacks in the closing stages of the match and Mounie’s header was easily saved by Mendes, before Jorginho’s effort was comfortably saved by Benin keeper Fabien Farnolle.
Ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate with Benin having been frustrated by a stubborn Guinea-Bissau side.
There is all to play for in the final round of games on Tuesday, July 2 as all four teams stand the chance of picking three possible slots into the knockout stage of the competition.
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