Benin's national football team, the Guépards, is set to face Burkina Faso in a crucial match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Ahead of the match, Sessi d'Almeida, the team's new captain, expressed his determination to lead the team to victory. In a press conference held in Ouagadougou on September 24, d'Almeida stated that he will give his all on the field, emphasizing his commitment to being an exemplary player.
Sessi d'Almeida, a 30-year-old midfielder, was appointed captain for the first time in his international career. With 46 selections with Benin, he feels honored and responsible for this new role. D'Almeida, who was trained at Paris Saint-Germain, is eager to make a positive impact on the team. He emphasized that he will lead by example, showcasing his skills and determination on the field.
The Guépards are facing a challenging match against Burkina Faso, who will have the support of their home crowd at the Ouagadougou stadium. However, d'Almeida remains confident in his team's abilities, despite some absences in the squad. He stated that the players present have the necessary resources to overcome the challenge and secure a good result.
D'Almeida also highlighted the team's good morale and motivation, emphasizing that the players are enthusiastic about the match. He acknowledged that some players are missing, but he does not see this as a significant disadvantage. The midfielder expressed his trust in the team's abilities, stating that they will not be intimidated by their opponents.
As one of the most experienced players in the Benin squad, d'Almeida is ready to take on a leadership role. He has previously participated in the 2019 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and is determined to guide his team to success. The midfielder emphasized that the team is focused on achieving a positive result, rather than worrying about the difficulties they may face.
The match against Burkina Faso marks the beginning of Benin's campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team's coach, Gernot Rohr, has expressed his confidence in the team's abilities, stating that they are not considering defeat. The Guépards are expected to put up a strong fight, with d'Almeida leading the charge.
The match is scheduled to take place on September 25, and the Guépards are expected to give a strong performance. With d'Almeida as captain, the team is likely to be more determined and focused. The outcome of the match will be crucial in determining Benin's chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- Sessi d'Almeida appointed captain for Benin's match against Burkina Faso
- Benin's team morale is high despite some absences
- The match marks the beginning of Benin's campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
