2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Zimbabwe draw Benin to give Super Eagles hope ahead of Rwanda clash

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Zimbabwe and Benin Republic played out a 2-2 draw in Group C of Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.

The host, Zimbabwe, had to come from two goals down to force a draw.

Steve Mounie and Doukou Dodo put Gernot Rohr’s side two goals up in the first half of the enchanter.

Marshal Munetsi reduced the deficit for the Zimbabweans in the 44th minute.

14 minutes into the second half, Zimbabwe leveled the scoreline through Knowledge Musona.

Benin Republic moved top of Group C with eight points after five games ahead of two Group C games.

Nigeria, in fifth position, will face second-placed Rwanda on Friday.

Third-placed South Africa and Lesotho will trade tackles in the other group games.

Zimbabwe, which is the Super Eagles’ opponent after their encounter with the Amavubis, is bottom of the log with three points, the same as Nigeria.