Africa Cup of Nations Clash: Analysing the Tactical Battle Between Benin and Senegal – A Deep Dive into Key Statistics and Performance Indicators

In the Africa Cup of Nations, a match-up sees Benin taking on Senegal. Senegal demonstrates a commanding offensive presence, boasting a superior attacking efficiency with a conversion rate of 23.5% compared to Benin's 14.8%. Their xG efficiency value also stands at 1.82, significantly higher than Benin's 1.21. Senegal's forward line excels with a 78% success rate in key passes, outperforming Benin's 65%. Senegal's midfield control is a key strength, averaging 15.3 ball recoveries per game, surpassing Benin's 12.1. Their transition play is rapid, achieving 4.3 attacks per minute, supported by an average running distance of 112km, which allows them to maintain sustained pressure on opponents. Senegal's defensive structure is also robust, recording 13.6 interceptions per match and an 82% clearance success rate, while Benin manages 9.8 interceptions and a 75% clearance rate. Senegal's high-intensity sprints (47) also ensure quality in their offensive and defensive transitions. The xG conversion rate for Senegal has been enhanced to 1.95, which is 0.74 more than Benin, with 6.3 of their 16.2 attacking plays originating from the core area of the penalty box, compared to Benin's 4.1. While Benin has home advantage, Senegal leads in crucial metrics such as possession (61% versus 39%) and the value of passes in the final 30 meters (2.81 versus 2.07). Recommendation: Benin +1.5