Benin have frustrated Argentina in the first half of their friendly in Buenos Aires, with the Guepards holding the world champions to a goalless draw despite conceding several chances. The match is being played amid Lionel Messi’s announced farewell to the Argentina national team.
Gernot Rohr’s side have defended with discipline and have also threatened on the counter-attack. Argentina have had the greater share of possession as they look to find openings in the Benin defensive block, but the visitors have so far kept their opponents at bay.
Messi has been involved in several promising situations, including a free-kick in the 26th minute that was dealt with authoritatively by Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou. The goalkeeper remained alert throughout the half, while the Guepards’ defence made a series of important interventions to protect their goal.
Benin were not content simply to sit deep. Aiyegun Tosin headed wide from a corner in the 17th minute, before Junior Olaitan went close two minutes later after meeting a cut-back from Rodolfo Aloko.
Argentina created a major opportunity through Messi in the 32nd minute, but his effort went wide. Benin then came close again in the 40th minute when a combination between Tosin and Olaitan narrowly failed to produce an opening.
Olaitan tested Emiliano Martinez two minutes later, forcing the Argentina goalkeeper into an intervention as Benin continued to pose a threat on the break.
The Guepards can take encouragement from their defensive organisation and their ability to trouble the world champions. They will need to maintain that discipline after the interval and make better use of their transitions if they are to cause a surprise in the second half.