Group stage National League Pro Hand: Aspac (D) et Flowers (H) more than favorites

As we announced, to end the calendar year in style, the Beninese Handball Federation (FBHB) organize this Monday 13 December the last statutory competitions of the season 2021. And it is the championship of the last group phase of the National Pro League that opens the ball. Une phase attendue par les deux meilleures équipes du moment pour confirmer leur forme: les Dames de l’Aspac et les hommes de Flowers.

Indeed, after having received the discharge from the Ministry of Sports following his request to resume his activities, interrupted because of the government decision which suspended sports activities due to Covid-19, la Fédération Béninoise de Handball a rendu public les dates de la tenue des différentes compétitions en attente. In this perspective, c’est la dernière phase groupée de la Ligue Nationale Pro qui sera à l’honneur du 13 at 17 December 2021 au Hall des Arts de Cotonou.  Réparties en deux poules de trois chez les hommes et en un seul groupe de quatre chez les dames, cette phase permettra de déterminer les meilleures de la saison. Et les deux équipes, championnes en titre peuvent encore récidiver.

ASPAC Hbc Dames

They did it against all odds during the season 2019. But because of the covid 19, this is the season they defend their title. These are the ladies of the Association Sportive du Port Autonome de Cotonou Handball Club. Score in the panties by their eternal rival of Flowers, they know they still have to put in a lot of effort to keep their holy grail. Because the path to climb to the top step of the podium is still strewn with pitfalls. And for example, the proteges of coach Antoine Alladé after disposing of their competitors (25-20) during the first leg of the national phase of the Pro League, they could not do it again at the end of the return leg by bowing (19-22). A defeat that did not prevent them from being leaders because of the direct confrontation rule (six games, five wins, a lost, 154 goals scored against 116 cashed +38 ; 10 points) against six games, five wins, a lost, 172goals scored against 102 conceded +70 ; 10 points pour Flowers. Which denotes, as the saying goes, "The scalded cat fears cold water". "We know the level of our club. But this time, we will have our card to play again. Les filles vont saisir leur chance et je pense qu’avec le travail que nous faisons, nous avons de quoi inquiéter nos adversaires et conserver le titre », said Jean Luc Assogba, Manager d’Aspac Hbc. For Etienne Yémadjè, sports journalist,  the Aspac women's team has everything it takes to be crowned champion next September "They play as a team and have not only a lot of potential but also the experience to not fail.. Now they just have to approach each game like the last to combine the useful with the enjoyable ", he indicated.

Flowers Men stronger than ever

When was the last loss for the Flowers Hbc men's team at the local level? ? You have to go digging in the annals to get the answer. And for good reason that does not date from the last five years. Uncompromising leader, President Euloge Dossou's club aligns efficiency, fighting spirit and realism for several seasons. She exudes the assurance and certifies that she remains the only king of the forest since 2006-2007. Evidenced by his performances during the first national phase of the Pro League which ended on Monday 9 last august. Six games played, six wins, 169 goals scored against 97 cashed (+72). Maneuvering these positive results, an atypical technician and unique in his kind by his impulsive character. This is Aimé Sebio.

The man of wins

Rigorous and combative, le technicien béninois Aimé Sèbio n’a d’yeux que pour le travail bien fait. He has never hidden his goal of bringing Flowers' team to an acceptable level during an African campaign in particular., the African Cup of Champions Clubs or the African Cup of Cup Winners and above all, reach the bar of the square of aces. "Besides the Pelican team who had achieved such a feat in 1998 and 1999, no Beninese team has ever reached this level ", he had declared in the columns of Matin Libre. So he dreams of a national team capable of titillating the great handball nations on the continent. When asked what is his secret ? The man whose name means in Fongbe is fate that asked, says while smiling "Work and nothing but work and above all the humility to learn and to question oneself. I interact a lot with my players. I have players who have already participated in at least one junior world cup. They have the minimum of experience. So, we discuss and find solutions together with my assistants. But at times, I impose my veto. But at times also, I allow them to participate in the decision. This is what makes there is cohesion at the group level ". However, this maturity acquired over the years and victories have forced him to already think about the next generation. And during some meetings of the first national phase of the Pro League, he has worn the B badge several times, leaving the place of titular coach to a youngster. "You have to pass your hand gently" he justifies. More, he stays nearby and intervenes when the team is doing badly. That’s to say that like good wine, Aimé Sèbio with the useful course of the years is getting better, diversifies but remains faithful in its obsession for success.

 Pass vaccinal, une exigence

En tenant compte des protocoles sanitaires, the new executive committee of the Beninese Handball Federation chaired by Sidikou Karimou has already taken the appropriate measures for the good performance of these different competitions. Thus before taking part in the various competitions each player must present his vaccination record and a negative PCR test 72 hours old at most.. Ditto for the managers and members of each technical staff.

Damien TOLOMISSI

Voici les affiches de ce lundi 13 December

10H: Goodbye- Aso Model (D)

11H30: Flowers-Abo Sport (H)

14H: ASPAC-Flowers (D)

15H30: Adjidja-Buffles (H)