Like other Beninese internationals, Rodrigue Kossi and Junior Olaitan will also be in Maputo this weekend for the sixth matchday of the 2023 CAN qualifiers against Mozambique. A few days before this decisive clash, the two Guépards (Leopards) spoke to the press.
The Benin Guépards will be in Maputo, Mozambique, this Saturday. A perilous journey for Gernot Rorh’s players who will face the Mambas in a match counting for the sixth matchday of the 2023 CAN qualifiers. Third in the Group L standings, the Beninese must absolutely secure all three points against the Mozambican opponents to book their tickets for the trip to Côte d’Ivoire, the host of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup, which will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
Already in Cotonou, the Beninese ambassadors are actively preparing for this high-stakes match. The group had its second training session at the Général Mathieu Kérékou Stadium on Tuesday. Also present, Junior Olaitan spoke to the press after the training session. The young player is determined to secure qualification with his team.
“We know that this is a very important match for the Beninese people and also for us. We have been here since Monday, working hard. We are all motivated and aware that this is our last chance to qualify for the 2023 CAN. I can’t promise anything at the moment, but we are putting everything in God’s hands. We will do our job, and the Beninese people must also participate by supporting us all the way. I believe we can do it: qualify. I am always working hard. I give my best for the coach who trusts me and for myself. I know I haven’t reached my full potential yet, so I am working hard. The best is yet to come,” he said, as quoted by Ange MANDJE.
His compatriot Rodrigue Kossi is also eager to repay the Mozambicans, who defeated the Beninese 1-0 on Matchday 2. “My impressions are good after the first two training sessions because I find that the whole group is motivated. I think we are all focused on the match against Mozambique next Saturday. I already feel that it will go well if we continue like this,” he said.
He also urged the Beninese sports fans to stay united behind their national team for a resounding victory on the evening of September 9: “Yes, the Beninese people have the right to hope for this qualification, and once again, we need their support. They must believe in us and support us all the way, and I think everything will be fine.” As a reminder, the match is scheduled for September 9, 2023, at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo at 3:00 PM GMT.
