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.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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