Romaine Gandonou scored both Benin goals. Alice Soto put Mexico ahead in the 21st minute at Arena Katowice. Angélique Saldivar made it 2-0 six minutes after half-time. Gandonou converted a 56th-minute penalty and then equalised in the 87th minute after a defensive lapse in the Mexico back line.
The result is a landmark for the Amazones. Benin had never previously appeared at this championship. Group A also includes hosts Poland and Argentina, so a point from the opening fixture gives them something to build on.
Africa’s other starter on Saturday had a harder afternoon. Tanzania lost 4-1 to Brazil in Bielsko-Biała in Group B. Thaynara opened the scoring before Winfrida Gerald equalised from the penalty spot. Evelin scored twice after the interval and Vitorinha added a fourth. Tanzania, like Benin, were making their first appearance at the U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The two African results underlined different first-day stories. Benin showed nerve after falling two goals behind against a side that enjoyed most of the ball. Tanzania competed for 40 minutes, then faded as Brazil’s quality told.
Both teams return later in the group stage. Benin’s point keeps their campaign alive on debut. Tanzania must recover quickly in a group that also contains Canada and England. For West African women’s football, Gandonou’s brace is the image of the opening day: a first World Cup point earned the hard way.