Benin vs Cameroon Predictions

After a match-day one performance that was as dominant as it was impressive, Cameroon failed to get their noses in front second time out, though Clarence Seedorf’s men probably won’t be too displeased, as their top of the group ahead of match-day three.

At the start of the groups, not too many people would’ve fancied Benin to challenge for a top-two spot in Group F, but the Squirrels have shown that they’re capable of competing.

Ghana were always going to be tough opponents first time out, though Benin showed no fear, as they burst out of the traps to take the lead after just two minutes. They did see their lead evaporate, as they ended the first half 2-1 down, but instead of crumbling under the pressure, Michel Dussuyer’s men fought back, taking a share of the spoils thanks to Mickael Pote’s second of the game. Given that they were behind at the interval, Benin will probably have been pleased to get a point, though when we consider that they created 0.96 expected goals for and conceded only 0.31, it’s easy to feel that they were slightly unfortunate not to walk away with all three points.

Benin once again showed that they’re no pushovers on match-day two, as they drew 0-0 with Guinea-Bissau. As they did first time out, in terms of chances, they gave little away, surrendering only 0.31 expected goals while they created more going the other way, posting 0.91 for.

Like Benin, Cameroon created a positive impression first time out, as they cruised to victory against Guinea-Bissau. It took them a while to break their opponents down, but once they did, there was no danger of them losing, as they created 1.42 expected goals for and conceded only 0.59.

However, while the Cameroonians did well on match-day one, they underwhelmed against Ghana last time out. Seedorf’s side remained unbeaten, but they struggled to create, while they didn’t look great at the back, as they struggled to contain the Ghanaians on the break. Frankly, after they created only 0.7 expected goals for in that fixture and conceded 1.01, it’s not difficult to see Cameroon struggling against the sturdy Benin.

As the nation of greater footballing pedigree, Cameroon are unsurprisingly favourites, though when we compare their Group F efforts with the efforts of Benin, it’s not at all difficult to feel that Seedorf’s men are too short. Likewise, Benin, who ought to be suited by the fact that Tuesday’s opponents will leave space in behind look somewhat overpriced. Quite simply, after creating a better impression against Ghana than Cameroon did, the Squirrels look to have a better chance of getting a positive result than the current prices suggest. Therefore, a small punt on ‘Benin Draw No Bet’ offers some value.