The Amazons of Benin will face Argentina in their second match at the Women's Under-20 World Cup on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT.
Benin approach the Group A encounter with renewed confidence after a notable opening performance against Mexico. The young side are targeting another positive result as they seek to strengthen their hopes of reaching the next round in a tightly contested section.
The main focus will be on forward Romaine Gandonou, who has emerged as Benin’s leading attacking threat. The international striker made a decisive impact in the team’s first match, scoring twice against Mexico to secure a historic 2-2 draw.
Gandonou’s display immediately established her as one of the players to watch in the competition. Her physical power, composure and quality in front of goal give Benin a major attacking outlet, while her performance against Mexico has made her the player Argentina’s defence must contain.
The result against Mexico was especially significant for Benin, who showed the ability to compete on the world stage and recover from difficult moments during the match. Gandonou’s two goals ensured the Amazons took a valuable point from their opening fixture and gave the squad an encouraging platform for their second outing.
Argentina, meanwhile, will be looking to respond after a difficult start to the tournament. They were beaten 3-0 by Poland in their opening Group A match, leaving them under pressure as they prepare to meet a Benin side boosted by its own positive result.
That contrast has given Benin a psychological advantage before Tuesday’s game. The Amazons enter the fixture with confidence at its highest, encouraged both by their draw with Mexico and by Gandonou’s effectiveness in attack.
Their challenge will be to reproduce the collective organisation and attacking efficiency that characterised the opening match. Benin’s players have been described as showing strong cohesion, and that unity will be central to their attempt to take another important step towards qualification.
With Group A closely contested, every point could prove decisive in determining which teams progress to the next stage. Benin know that victory would significantly improve their position, while another positive result would preserve their momentum and keep their qualification hopes firmly alive.
For Argentina, the match represents an opportunity to recover from the defeat by Poland and re-establish themselves in the group. Benin, however, will believe their strong beginning gives them the platform to make another statement on the global stage.
Much will depend on whether Argentina can limit Gandonou’s influence. If the Benin forward can produce another performance of the quality she showed against Mexico, the Amazons will feel they have the attacking threat and collective confidence needed to trouble their opponents.