COTONOU - Grenoble midfielder Jonathan Tinhan has turned down a call-up from Benin to play in the African Nations Cup.
COTONOU - Grenoble midfielder Jonathan Tinhan has turned down a call-up from Benin to play in the African Nations Cup.
The French-born Tinhan's decision delayed the final selection of the 23-man squad by coach Michel Dussuyer for the tournament in Angola.
Tinhan, 20, had expressed surprise at being named in a preliminary squad and was advised by his parents and club not to play given his lack of senior experience, Benin's Le Matinal newspaper reported.
Tinhan has played just 19 minutes of Ligue 1 football for bottom-placed Grenoble. Benin will play a warm-up friendly at home against Libya on Wednesday before departing for Angola. Their opening Group C game is against Mozambique in Benguela on January 12. - Reuters
Benin youngster turns down Afcon
COTONOU - Grenoble midfielder Jonathan Tinhan has turned down a call-up from Benin to play in the African Nations Cup.
COTONOU - Grenoble midfielder Jonathan Tinhan has turned down a call-up from Benin to play in the African Nations Cup.
The French-born Tinhan's decision delayed the final selection of the 23-man squad by coach Michel Dussuyer for the tournament in Angola.
Tinhan, 20, had expressed surprise at being named in a preliminary squad and was advised by his parents and club not to play given his lack of senior experience, Benin's Le Matinal newspaper reported.
Tinhan has played just 19 minutes of Ligue 1 football for bottom-placed Grenoble. Benin will play a warm-up friendly at home against Libya on Wednesday before departing for Angola. Their opening Group C game is against Mozambique in Benguela on January 12. - Reuters