FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup Qualifiers: Benin take the upper hand against Egypt
After shining in the previous round by scoring a hat-trick against Guinea (5–1), Romane Gandonou once again showcased the full extent of her talent.
Gandanour was the sole goalscorer against Egypt (0–1), giving Benin a valuable away victory.
From the opening minutes of the match, Gandonou stood out with her ability to unsettle the Egyptian defense. Her speed, positioning, and clinical finishing allowed her team to take the lead — a goal that could prove decisive in the race for qualification.
The Amazons, solid and determined, managed to control the tempo of the match, but it was Gandonou’s individual brilliance that made the difference. With this goal, she confirms her role as the team’s attacking leader and becomes an indispensable asset for the national team in this qualifying campaign.
With the return leg just days away, scheduled for 13 February in Lomé, the Egyptians will have a tough task ahead if they are to overturn the deficit.
As for the Beninese players, they can legitimately hope to see their name on the list of teams qualified for the next FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, thanks to the precision and consistency of Romane Gandonou.
First-Leg Fixtures – 3rd Round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers:
|
Date |
Time |
Match |
|
Saturday, 7 February 2026 |
13:00 |
Kenya vs Tanzania |
|
14:00 |
Uganda vs Zambia |
|
|
16:00 |
Nigeria vs Senegal |
|
|
17:00 |
Cameroon vs Botswana |
|
|
17:00 |
Guinea-Bissau vs Malawi |
|
|
Sunday, 8 February 2026 |
16:30 |
Ghana vs South Africa |
|
18:00 |
Côte d’Ivoire vs DR Congo |
|
|
Friday, 13 February 2026 |
14:00 |
Botswana vs Cameroon |
|
17:00 |
Benin vs Egypt |
|
|
Saturday, 14 February 2026 |
13:30 |
Malawi vs Guinea-Bissau |
|
14:00 |
Tanzania vs Kenya |
|
|
14:00 |
South Africa vs Ghana |
|
|
14:00 |
Zambia vs Uganda |
|
|
16:00 |
DR Congo vs Côte d’Ivoire |
|
|
18:00 |
Senegal vs Nigeria |