By Joseph S. Conteh
In a closely contested affair, Benin secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Sierra Leone in the first leg of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifiers. The match, held at the Stade de l’Amitié in Cotonou, saw the home side demonstrate their resilience and determination to gain an advantage ahead of the return leg.
Benin took the lead in the first half through a well-taken goal, setting the tone for an engaging encounter. Sierra Leone, however, refused to be deterred and equalized shortly after, leveling the scores at the break.
The second half witnessed a tactical battle as both teams sought to gain the upper hand. Benin’s perseverance paid off in the closing stages, as they managed to score a late winner, securing a crucial victory in the first round of the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers.
The two sides will now face each other again on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, for the return leg. With the scores poised at 2-1, the second match promises to be a thrilling affair as Sierra Leone looks to overturn the deficit and advance to the next round of the prestigious continental tournament.
