Tough test for Sao Tome e Principe

by Staff Reporter

Thursday May 15, 2014. 11:00

Sao Tome e Principe host Benin for the first time in their history when they clash in the first round of the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.

The game on Saturday represents a chance for the tiny country of Sao Tome e Principe, that has a population of just 190 000, to show the progress they have made in their football over the last few years.

The problem for them is that the country has been inactive for close on two years as they play very few friendly matches outside of competition games.

When last they were active they did give a good account of themselves though and got a wins against Sierra Leone and Lesotho in quick succession, a fine double-act for such a small country.

They will find the going much tougher against a well-oiled Benin side though who will be expected to breeze through the tie.

Benin are these days coached by the Frenchman Didier Ollé-Nicolle and are hoping for a return to the Nations Cup finals for the first time since 2010, having missed out on the last two instalments.

Nothing but a large away win should be expected in this tie.