Togo national team the Hawks managed to hold their opponents Benin to a one all draw at home.

The 2018 Africa Nations Championship qualifier match played  at the National Stadium in Cotonou was a positive indicator for the Togo team after getting their crucial away goal that will see them step into the return leg more confident.

It was Benin who first found their rythm forcing goalkeeper Bassa Sabirou to pull early saves.

Togo, though got into the game but almost conceded a goal.Degli Messan tried to lob over a Benin attacker, but the ball bounced back off the body of the striker, and Glodjimon Steve had to pull off a save in 16th minute.

Togo were playing square balls and back passes, were very slow when attacking, compared to the quick breaks of Benin.

Mama Seibou who looked a bit out of sorts, lost ball twice in the midfield, and Benin almost capitalised.

Sewonou Koidjo played three raking passes that let in Mesan, but he was slow to react to one, as defender robbed him of ball once and he was squaring up to shoot.

Koukpo Marcellin finally got the ball inside the net to give the home team an important lead.

After the break, Benin coach fortified his attack with Idrissou Saliou and Abaki Waris resuming with the team.

Degli Messan seemed the most dangerous, but the defense of Benin made rubbish his attempt in the 64th minute.

The Hawks kept struggling to get a victory and finally levelled the matters with twenty minutes to go.

Entering into the 70th minute, both sides now approached the game in a slow pace, looking tired.

Nabil once again came close in the 81st minute, and set Mama Sebiou who dribbled a defender and fired with his left foot, but Togo goalkeeper was well positioned to pary the ball away.

Togo proved their quest for qualification as they held on despite the two minutes added time, to end the game at one all draw.