Preview: Benin vs. Mozambique - prediction, team news, lineups

Both seeking to pick up their first wins in Group L of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Benin and Mozambique go head to head at the Stade de l'Amitie on Wednesday.

The Squirrels suffered a humbling 3-1 defeat at the hands of African champions Senegal in Saturday's group opener, while the visitors were held to a 1-1 draw by Rwanda.

Match preview

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Benin were denied a dream start to their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Senegal in Saturday's group opener.

In a game where Sessi D'Almeida received his marching orders, Liverpool star Sadio Mane scored a hat-trick to put the Lions of Teranga in a commanding three-goal lead before Junior Olaitan grabbed an 88th-minute consolation.

Prior to that, the Squirrels secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over Liberia before playing out a 1-1 draw with Togo at the Mardan Sports Complex in their two friendly fixtures back in March.

Michel Dussuyer's side head into Wednesday's game unbeaten in nine of their last 11 games on home turf, claiming four wins and four draws since their goalless draw with Benin in Group F of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Benin, who are seeking to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing out earlier this year, have now lost each of their last three qualifying games, scoring one goal and shipping five in that.

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Meanwhile, manager Chiquinho Conde will be somewhat satisfied with his side's opening-day performance as Mozambique came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Rwanda on Saturday.

Following an uneventful first half at the FNB Stadium, the game sparked into life in the 65th minute when Blaise Nishimwe opened the scoring but Stanley Ratifo netted two minutes later to force a share of the spoils.

Mozambique, whose last AFCON participation came back in 2010, have now failed to win any of their last three games across all competitions, stretching back to a 1-0 victory over Malawi in November's World Cup qualifiers.

While Mozambique will be looking to end this dry spell and get their qualification campaign up and running, they have struggled for results on the road, where they are currently on a 12-game winless run, losing 10 games in that time.

Team News

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Benin will take to the pitch without the services of D'Almeida after the Tondela midfielder picked up a straight red in Saturday's game against Senegal.

Tidjani Anaane failed to make his mark in the game against Aliu Cisse's side before coming off at half time and the Doxa Katokopias forward could drop to the substitutes' bench.

Dinamo Bucuresti man Desire Segbe Azankpo, who boasts 14 senior caps under his belt, will push for a starting role in the final third, teaming up with Steve Mounie, who registered nine goals and two assists for Brest in the Ligue 1.

With his equaliser against the Amavubi, Ratifo now has three goals in 18 appearances for Mozambique and we expect the Pforzheim star to spearhead the attack for the second game running.

He should be joined in the final third by veteran forward Domingues and 25-year-old Witi, who made 21 appearances for CD Nacional in the Portuguese second tier.

Benin possible starting lineup:

Allagbe; Doremus, Adenon, Verdon, Kiki; Kossi, Ahlinvi, Anaane; Dossou, Mounie, Aiyegun

Mozambique possible starting lineup:

Siluane; Bauque, Mexer, Junior, Mandava; Kito, Kambala; Telinho, Domingues, Witi; Ratifo

We say: Benin 2-1 Mozambique

Benin head into Wednesday as slight favourites to come out victorious as they take on an opposing side who are 35 places below in the latest FIFA world rankings. Riding on the support of their home crowd, we are backing the Squirrels to make amends for their opening-day defeat and claim all three points in this one.

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