Benin Republic boost World Cup hopes with vital win over Zimbabwe in Super Eagles group

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Benin Republic senior men’s national team brightened their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a narrow 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe on Matchday 7 of the African qualifiers.

Played at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Friday, Steve Mounié struck the decisive goal in the 77th minute, finishing off a fine pass from Yohann Roche to seal all three points for Gernot Rohr’s side.

The win lifts Benin Republic to second place in Group C with 11 points, five behind leaders South Africa.

Nigeria, who face Uganda on Saturday, could climb to third with a win.

Benin Republic will play their next three matches away from home, against Lesotho, Rwanda, and Nigeria, as they continue their push for a first-ever World Cup qualification.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe sit bottom of the group with just four points and face a tough run-in against Rwanda (home), South Africa (home), and Lesotho (away).

Group C Log

1. South Africa – 16 points

2. Benin Republic – 11 points

3. Rwanda – 8 points (with a hame in hand)

4. Nigeria – 7 points (with a game in hand)

5. Lesotho – 6 points

6. Zimbabwe – 4 points

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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