Qatar 2022 World Cup: Benin President calls for following Moroccan model

The President of Benin, Patrice Talon, noted that only a few African countries have been carrying the torch at the continental and global levels for some time, citing the case of Morocco at the World Cup (Qatar-2022). The Moroccan team’s performances “are the result of work that has been done over time,” he said.

President Talon, who made the remarks at a meeting with the heads of clubs and sports federations of Benin, also spoke of his ambitions to see his country, rise to the top level in African and world soccer competitions, after the historic performance of the Atlas Lions during the World Cup.

“We all watched the World Cup games with great interest, great enthusiasm, even with pride for some games. We have seen this semi-final between France and Morocco which has generated a lot of pride on the Continent for a first participation of an African team in the final four,” said the President of Benin.

The Beninese president said that the Atlas Lions even deserved to be qualified for the final of the tournament. “They had not only the ability and talent, but the rage to win. We could see how many people were unhappy after the elimination of Morocco because we were so close to the goal,” he said in comments reported by the Presidency of Benin.

To see Benin reach such a level, Patrice Talon reassured that the groundwork has already begun to be laid through the various reforms undertaken and the willingness shown by the state to develop the sports sector.

“I have invited you to take stock of our beginning. The State has shown its willingness to boost the development of sports, by achieving some infrastructure. We had realized 22 stadiums in addition to what we had in the country and another series will start soon,” he said.