The Guépards U-15 of Bénin concluded the group stage of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival on a high note, defeating Turkmenistan 4-1 on October 26, 2026. This win enabled them to qualify for the mini-tournament reserved for teams that finished third in their respective groups. The team's performance in the group stage was marked by two wins, one draw, and two losses, ultimately earning them 7 points.
In their final group stage match, the Guépards U-15 demonstrated their offensive prowess by scoring four goals against Turkmenistan. This victory followed their impressive 10-0 win over the Cook Islands. Despite suffering defeats to Qatar (2-3) and Italy (1-6), as well as a 1-1 draw with Hong Kong, the team managed to finish third in Group L with a goal difference of +7, having scored 18 goals and conceded 11.
The final standings for Group L saw Italy top the group with 15 points, followed by Qatar with 10 points. Bénin secured third place with 7 points, ahead of Turkmenistan with 6 points, Hong Kong with 5 points, and the Cook Islands at the bottom without any points. This third-place finish allowed the Guépards U-15 to advance to the mini-tournament, which was set to commence on October 28, 2026.
The Guépards U-15 team's journey in the tournament has been marked by significant performances. Their ability to score a substantial number of goals, as seen in their victories over the Cook Islands and Turkmenistan, highlights their offensive capabilities. The team's progress to the mini-tournament is a notable achievement, especially considering the level of competition in the group stage.
The mini-tournament presents an opportunity for the Guépards U-15 to compete against other teams that finished third in their groups. This phase of the competition will likely feature teams with similar records and ambitions, making it a challenging and exciting stage for Bénin's young footballers.
Bénin's football team has shown resilience and skill throughout the group stage. Despite facing strong opponents like Italy and Qatar, the Guépards U-15 have demonstrated their potential. The team's performance has been a subject of interest for football fans in Bénin, who are eager to see their young players succeed on the international stage.
The qualification for the mini-tournament is a significant milestone for the Guépards U-15. It reflects the team's hard work and dedication, as well as the coaching and support they have received. As the team prepares for the next phase of the competition, they will look to build on their strengths and address areas for improvement.
Key points
- The Guépards U-15 secured a 4-1 victory over Turkmenistan to qualify for the mini-tournament.
