Mexico surrender two-goal lead to draw with Benin at Under-20 Women’s World Cup

Mexico appeared to have control of its Under-20 Women’s World Cup debut after taking a 2-0 lead against Benin in Katowice, Poland. Instead, defensive mistakes turned a promising start into a 2-2 draw.

Alice Soto opened the scoring in the 21st minute after Michel Fong supplied the assist from the right. Fong had posed one of Mexico’s biggest attacking threats, particularly in the first half, but left the match before the break after taking a knock.

Mexico doubled its advantage in the 51st minute. Montserrat Saldívar finished first time from the edge of the area after receiving a pass from María González, and the match seemed to be moving toward a comfortable victory.

Benin responded five minutes later. An imprudent challenge by Noemi Villalobos inside the area led to a penalty, which Romaine Gandonou converted in the 56th minute for Benin’s first goal in an Under-20 World Cup. Gandonou struck again in the 87th minute after Mexico lost possession, advancing on goal and rounding goalkeeper Camila Vázquez.

The result leaves Mexico needing a win against host nation Poland on Tuesday to keep its hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.