There Is No Rift Between Me And Fabien Farnolle, Says Allagbé

Benin national team goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé has refuted reports that there is bad blood between him and Fabien Farnolle saying that the media are the ones creating unnecessary tension between the two players.

Allagbé, who is Benin’s second-choice goalkeeper, further urged the fans and journalists to shy away from such accusations and join hands to help the team in the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“Fabien and I, there you are, big brother and little brother. When I was still playing in the country and Fabien came to the selection, we all ended up representing the country,” said Allagbé in an interview with Radio Benin as translated from French.

“He always gave me advice. A while ago when we met in Benin he brought me training materials. It’s a very healthy competition between me and Fabien at the national team. He’s an experienced goalkeeper. He’s someone I respect a lot.”

Allagbe added; “I have never doubted his experience and his appreciation of the young people who come to the national team selection. There’s has never been and there will never be an issue between me and Fabien.”

The 26-year-old goalkeeper, Allagbé drew plaudits from fans around Africa for the role he played in last Nations Cup in Egypt, guiding the team to the Round of 16 of the tournament.

He was starting from the bench since his first call-up to the national team but got a starting role in the 2019 AFCON after Fabien suffered an injury.

Allagbé is one of the new breed of sweeper-keepers, both an excellent shot-stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet after coming through the ranks of Beninese side ASPA Cotonou.