Benin U-20's held

Benin's Razak Omotoyossi (right) battles with Jacob Timpano

Benin's under-20 drew 1-1 with Australia in their first ever game at the World Youth Championship on Friday.

The Junior Squirrels opened the scoring in the Group A game in the Dutch town of Kerkrade in the 31st minute through Razak Omotoyossi.

He scored at the far post after a breakaway down the left flank.

He almost added another in 74th after dribbling through several defenders, but his shot was saved.

In the first half, Australia rarely threatened but had two decent chances from free kicks by Kristian Sarkies in the 22nd and 25th minutes.

Australia's Nick Ward equalized in the 59th minute with a near-post finish from a corner.

The Benin coach Serge Deveze was happy with the result.

"It was a good result for Benin but I think we can do better," he told BBC Sport.

"We played collectively in the first half but in the second half my strikers played for themselves not for the team.

"We missed lost a lot of chances because my strikers threw it away, we have work to do in this area.

"If we want to get to the second round we have to beat Japan and if we do that we would have four points.

"I don't want wait till the last game against Netherlands before we qualify."

The match started with a moment of silence for former Benin goalkeeper Samiou Youssoufou, who was bludgeoned to death with stones four months ago in Cotonou following they lost to Nigeria at the African Youth Championship.

Next up for Benin are Japan on 15 June, while on the same day Australia play the hosts Holland.