By Mark Gleeson
JOHANNESBURG, Dec 14 - Benin say they have 30 new
players for possible inclusion in their African Nations Cup
squad for next month's tournament but the list includes French
youth internationals and a Senegalese playing in France.
Benin's football federation compiled the list from clubs
across Europe in response to an invitation, on their Web site,
for players across the world originally from Benin or of
Beninoise origin to contact them.
The list, published on febefoot.com, includes French youth
internationals Serge Gakpe of Monaco and Razack Boukary of
Lens, both of whom previously resisted attempts by Benin's
neighbour Togo to persuade them to play in the 2006 World Cup.
Also listed are French under-17 internationals Irele Apo and
Serge Akakpo, both of AJ Auxerre. Akakpo was born in Togo.
The Senegalese on the list is Basile Yehoume, born in Dakar
and who played at Stade Reims in France's Ligue 1 last season.
The majority of the footballers listed are from clubs in
France but very few have senior experience or have played in a
top division. Also included were players from amateur clubs in
Germany.
The federation said officials would visit likely candidates
and several could be included in preparations starting on Dec.
23 in Cotonou.
Benin, who will be making their second Nations Cup finals
appearance, last week replaced coach Wabi Gomez with German
Reinhard Fabsich, who has just over more a month to prepare the
team for a tough assignment in Group B where they meet the Ivory
Coast, Mali and Nigeria.
(Reporting by Mark Gleeson, editing by Clare Lovell)