The Cheetahs of Benin have issued a robust warning to Libya forward of their decisive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Monday, with captain Steve Mounié making it clear they received’t tolerate any off-pitch antics, Soccernet.ng reviews.
Benin and Libya will conflict in Tripoli for Group D’s second qualification ticket, with each groups counting on Nigeria to defeat Rwanda in Uyo on the identical day.
The Tremendous Eagles have already secured their place within the match, leaving the ultimate spot within the group up for grabs.
Libya have to win by at the very least two targets, whereas a draw could be sufficient to ship Benin to the AFCON for the primary time since their spectacular quarterfinal run in 2019.
Nevertheless, issues have been raised about potential off-field disruptions, a tactic Libya has used prior to now.
Final month, Libya detained the Nigerian crew at an deserted airport for over 15 hours earlier than their scheduled match.
The transfer backfired spectacularly, as Nigeria refused to play, prompting CAF to award the Tremendous Eagles a 3-0 victory and advantageous Libya.
Captain Steve Mounié addressed these issues, recalling previous incidents the place Benin fell sufferer to related methods.
“We rapidly neglect Sierra Leone the place we had been fooled,” Mounié informed Afrik-Foot.
“We misplaced an AFCON on this episode… A minimum of, the Libyans won’t be able to do the identical factor once more.
“In any other case, we are going to depart just like the Nigerians and we can have received the match.”
Benin’s coach, Gernot Rohr, additionally highlighted Libya’s makes an attempt to vary the venue to artificial pitches in Benghazi, which the Cheetahs efficiently resisted.
“Already, Libya tried to maneuver the match to Benghazi on artificial pitches,” Rohr revealed.
“Clearly, we refused this maneuver. And, on the sector, we may also know tips on how to reply. I’ve confidence on this crew with an impeccable frame of mind.”
Whereas Benin are keen to finish their AFCON drought, Libya, 1982 runners-up, intention to make their first match look since 2012.
