Steve Mounié speaks with the quiet confidence of a player who senses history within reach.
As Benin prepare to face seven time champions Egypt in Monday’s AFCON Round of 16 in Agadir, the striker insists reputation will count for little. For the Cheetahs, this is a chance to go further than ever before.
“We will approach this match with determination and the belief that we can qualify,” Mounié said. “We are confident in our strengths.”
Those strengths lie in unity. Benin have already made history in Morocco with their first ever AFCON win, and the camp reflects a team enjoying the journey.
Shared meals, light-hearted rituals for debutants and a strong bond have helped keep pressure at bay.
Egypt remain a formidable obstacle. They are unbeaten in four meetings with Benin and won their last AFCON clash in 2010.
Yet there is encouragement for the underdogs, the Pharaohs have struggled against West African teams in recent tournaments and are winless in their last four such matches.
For Mounié, that fuels ambition.
“We have already made history, but now we want more,” he said. “Qualifying against Egypt would be huge.”
The 30 year-old reached the quarter-finals with Benin in 2019, then known as the Squirrels, but believes this team is better prepared.
“In 2019 we were mentally exhausted,” he said. “This time, I hope we are fresher and ready.”
An injury cloud hangs over his involvement, but his influence stretches beyond the pitch. He praised coach Gernot Rohr for trusting his players and encouraging responsibility.
“The coach gives us confidence. On the pitch, it’s up to us to manage situations,” Mounié said.
Outside criticism has not shaken him. Benin, he feels, have already met their targets and now play with freedom.
Against one of Africa’s giants, belief may be Benin’s strongest weapon.
