Benin captain Steve Mounie has shared his thoughts on the traumatic experience his team faced in Libya after securing their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The incident occurred after their victory, which confirmed their qualification for the tournament. While celebrating the achievement, the Benin team was assaulted by opposing fans, who threw objects and hurled verbal abuse at the players as they left the pitch.
Mounie reflected on the intense moments of the attack, acknowledging the emotional toll it took on the team. Despite the assault, the captain highlighted the team’s resilience and focus on their qualification, stressing that their hard work and determination to reach the 2025 AFCON could not be overshadowed by the attack. “We were lucky that no one was seriously injured, but it was a tough experience for all of us,” Mounie said. “However, we must stay strong and remain focused on what we’ve achieved.”
Despite the challenging situation, the team remains proud of their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, seeing it as a significant accomplishment. Mounie pointed out that while such incidents are unfortunate, they should not detract from the team’s success. “We’ve worked incredibly hard for this moment, and we have to stay positive. Our qualification is the result of our collective effort and determination,” he added.
The incident has sparked discussions about improving security measures at international football events to ensure players’ safety. Football authorities have called for better precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future. As Benin looks forward to the 2025 AFCON, Mounie’s leadership will be key in keeping the team focused on their goal of success, despite the unsettling experience in Libya.
