International Handball Tournament in Laayoune, Morocco : Benin present

Of 21 at 26 June 2022, the senior national handball team of Benin takes part in an international handball tournament in Laayoune, initiated by the Royal Moroccan Handball Federation. In this context, the Beninese technical staff unveiled on Wednesday 1 is June 2022, at a press conference, the list of preselected players.

The Chérifien Kingdom is organizing the competition as part of the inauguration of its sports complex erected in the city of Laâyoune. On the occasion of the meeting of the National Executive Bureau which took place this Saturday at the headquarters of the party, the tournament will serve as preparation for the senior national team of Morocco for the 25th African Nations Men's Handball Championship (CAN 2022) which will be held from 11 at 18 July in Egypt. Benin is invited to take part in the tournament thanks to the excellent relations of friendship and the “vitality of the relations between the two federations” indicated Serge Akakpo, First Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the FBHB. " Too, thanks to the partnership agreement signed by the heads of the Beninese and Moroccan handball federations, is there an important factor that has militated for Benin's participation in this competition?. The objective on the Beninese side is to relaunch its national team in the arena of major competitions,” he added..

Should we remind, Benin's last participation in an African competition dates back to 2019, during the African Games qualifiers. “We are 14th in the African rank among men with a little effort we will return to the top 12 synonymous with participation in an African competition” already projects Serge Akakpo.

what about selection?

The backbone of the national team that will participate in the tournament is made up of players from Flowers CNSS SPORTS. The logic is very simple according to the National Technical Director. Flowers-CNSS returns from an African club competition with a good performance even if the Beninese representative has not touched the grail. " Better, the majority of the club's players already form the selection of handball squirrels. We then had to find the right strategy to save time,” explains Basile Nouatin.. "To this core, will be grafted with young players targeted during the professional and amateur championships recently organized by the federation », adds coach Aimé Sebio who indicates that "This competition will allow players and members of the technical staff to gain further experience".

The preparation in question

From this Wednesday, June 1st, the technical staff launches a first grouping of players until 9 next june. The 2nd part of the preparatory course will be from 10 at 19 June, still, in Cotonou. Contrary to what was done, there will be no going green but just training sessions. “Five are planned per week at the rate of three, mandatory for players selected with the national team and two others with their respective clubs. The objective is not to deprive the clubs of their players, because they are preparing for the upcoming deadlines,” explains Aimé Sebio.

Note that among the 21 shortlisted players, 16 will be selected to participate in this international tournament.

Damien TOLOMISSI