Benin–Russia relations Benin–Russia relations Benin–Russia relations () is the relationship between the two countries, Benin and Russia. The Soviet Union recognised the Republic of Dahomey as an independent and sovereign state on 18 August 1960, and diplomatic relations between the two states were established on 4 June 1962. From 24 July 1962, diplomatic relations between the two countries were conducted via the Soviet Embassy in Togo, until 1 February 1966, when the first Soviet Ambassador to Benin, Alexander Nikitich Abramov, was appointed. Relations between the two countries were initially minimal, however, Soviet interactions with the country intensified after Mathieu Kérékou came to
2005 African Youth Championship 2005 African Youth Championship The 2005 African Youth Championship was an international football competition that took place between 15 and 29 January 2005. The tournament was hosted by Benin and also served as qualification for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. Burundi and Mauritius withdrew. A bye was therefore given to respectively the Republic of Congo and Lesotho. Republic of Congo, Congo Kinshasa, Ethiopia, Gabon and Tanzania withdrew. A bye was therefore given to respectively Cameroon, Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana and Zimbabwe. Niger were disqualified by the FIFA. Accusations were made to each other from Lesotho and Zimbabwe of using over-aged