Benin vs. Rwanda: Preview and betting tips

Wednesday’s poor football schedule will offer an African Nations Cup qualifier. Benin will welcome Rwanda, with the loser essentially forfeiting its chances of qualification. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

Benin’s start to the qualifiers has not been a good one, after losing to the favoured Senegal they also fell to Mozambique. They are last in the table after two rounds, four points behind the promotion places.

Rwanda grabbed a valuable point from two matches for a draw with Mozambique, but logically it was not enough for Senegal. They are three points behind third place, but participation in the tournament is unlikely. It would be a sensation.

Benin’s key figures

The hosts rely on goals from Aiyegun Tosin, the Benin midfielder notched 14 shots and three assists for FC Zurich. Twenty-year-old talented midfielder Junior Olaitan shines in Ligue 2, boasting a 6+3 record from midfield.

Rwanda’s key figures

Meddie Kagere is still representing the away side, despite being 36 years old. Steve Rubanguka is one of the few away players kicking in Europe, specifically doing central midfield in the Moldovan league.

What to expect and what to bet on?

Benin rely on a solid defence, scoring more than once in just two of their last 12 games. They did get a treble from Senegal, namely Sadio Mané netting a hat-trick, but the favourite’s powerplay from the 51st minute onwards played a big part.

Moreover, Rwanda’s attack is not working at all. It has scored only twice in the past six games, hitting more than once in only one of the last 13 matches. And it has won only twice since September 2021.

Considering Rwanda’s dysfunctional attack, its overall inexperience and Benin’s reliable defensive performance, I think the favourite will score and gain important points in the fight for promotion.

Source: Africa Cup of Nations, Transfermarkt