Benin Women edged Sierra Leone Women 2-1 in a dramatic CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on 20 February 2025, overcoming an early scare to claim a vital home win. The match, played in Porto-Novo, featured high intensity and a late twist that left the home fans celebrating at the final whistle.

Sierra Leone stun Benin with early opener

Benin were expected to control possession, but Sierra Leone came with a clear game plan — disrupt, then strike on the break. That plan worked, as Benin’s defensive line was caught high in the 12th minute. Quick combination play between Memunatu Kargbo and Fatmata Bangura sent Kargbo clean through, and she finished low and hard into the corner.

The shock of conceding early rattled Benin. Their passing became hurried, and Sierra Leone grew in confidence, nearly doubling their lead when Bangura hit the post with a curling free-kick.

Benin respond before half-time

Gradually, Benin found their rhythm, using the wings to stretch the Sierra Leone defence. Their equaliser came in the 36th minute through a well-rehearsed set piece. Forward Lucie Hounsounou diverted a near-post flick goalwards, and while Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mariama Conteh blocked, Clarisse Hounton was on hand to tap in the rebound.

The goal visibly lifted Benin, who ended the half in the ascendancy.

Second half: Benin's pressure pays off

After the interval, Benin dominated both territory and chances. Sierra Leone retreated into a defensive block, but Benin’s persistence finally broke them down in the 67th minute. A deep cross from the right was headed back across goal by Hounton, and Salomé Vodounnou bundled the ball over the line from close range.

Sierra Leone pushed forward in the closing minutes but failed to muster a clear-cut chance against a well-organised Benin back line. The full-time whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for the hosts.

What the result means

The win gives Benin a commanding position heading into the back-and-forth tie, while Sierra Leone will rue the defensive mistakes that cost them on the road. Benin's ability to respond to adversity bodes well for the rest of their qualifying campaign.

Goalscorers: Benin — Hounton 36', Vodounnou 67'; Sierra Leone — Kargbo 12'.