Senegal vs Benin Prediction: Benin expected to struggle in this encounter

Before their return to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Senegal and Benin will face off in a friendly match at the Stade de la Licorne on Tuesday. Benin, having failed to secure a victory in their last eight encounters with Senegal, will aim to defeat the Lions of Teranga and halt their streak of 15 consecutive winless games.

After their Round of 16 exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against eventual champions Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal secured a 3-0 victory over Gabon in a friendly match on Friday. The momentum began with Aaron Appindangoyé's own goal in the 12th minute, followed by goals from Mikayil Faye and Sadio Mané in each half. Entering this matchup as favorites, Aliou Cisse's team aims to continue their winning streak from the Gabon match as they prepare for their return to the World Cup qualifiers. Currently leading Group B with four points from their first two matches, Senegal seeks to maintain their strong position in the qualifiers.

Benin demonstrated their resilience against newly-crowned African champions Ivory Coast on Saturday, holding them to a 2-2 draw at the Stade de la Licorne. Junior Olaitan and Max Gradel found the net for each side, leading to a level score at halftime. Then, in the 51st minute, Olaitan scored his second goal of the game to put Benin in the lead, but Oumar Diakite equalized 16 minutes later, ensuring the match ended in a draw. With this outcome, Gernot Rohr's team has extended their winless streak to 15 consecutive games across all competitions, with eight losses and seven draws since their 4-0 friendly victory over Liberia in March 2023. Benin will now aim to draw positives from their resilient performance against Ivory Coast as they build momentum ahead of their return to the World Cup qualifiers. Currently positioned at the bottom of Group C with one point from six possible, they seek to improve their standing in the qualifiers.

Senegal aims to capitalize on their victory over Gabon, although they face absences due to injuries from Ismaila Sarr, Abdoulaye Niakhate Ndiaye, Pape Gueye, and Arouna Sangamte. Edouard Mendy, rested in the Gabon match, may return to the starting lineup. On the other hand, Benin has struggled, remaining winless in 14 consecutive games across various competitions. Their sole victory came as a result of a 3-0 awarded win over Rwanda, who fielded a suspended player, last year. Benin has conceded at least twice in four of their last six matches. Considering the current form of both teams and Senegal's dominance in their head-to-head record, the 2021 AFCON winners are likely to secure a comfortable victory with potential for numerous goals.