WORLD CUP: Benin look for first ever win against Zimbabwe

By African Football

Benin will be targeting their first-ever victory over Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (Group C) match on Friday.

The encounter is poised to be played at the biggest Ivorian football venue, Alassane Ouattara Stadium, in the largest city and the former capital of the Ivory Coast, Abidjan.

The Cheetahs are winless in their last eight matches across all competitions as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in a friendly on June 9, after losing 2-0 to South Africa in a Group C clash on March 25.

Benin are occupying the third spot in the Group C standings, having collected eight points from six games and the West African side will be keen to overcome Zimbabwe to boost their qualifying ambitions alive.

“Jodel Dossou is a very important player for the team. If he’s physically up to par, he can contribute a lot,” Benin coach Gernot Rohr explained to the reporters why he selected clubless Dossou.

“When I was on the opposing side, in Nigeria, I saw this player, and I told my Nigerian players: the danger from Benin is Jodel Dossou. He still has his technical qualities.

“Even if he’s slightly less strong physically, he still has his overall qualities that allow us to have an edge in the team when needed.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions, having drawn 1-1 with Niger in a friendly on June 10 and defeating Mozambique 3-1 in a COSAFA Cup clash on the same day.

The Warriors find themselves placed sixth in the Group C standings, having accumulated four points from six games and the Southern African side will be under pressure to secure a win over Benin in order to revive their qualifying hopes.

“We have had a good session, you can tell that the boys are ready to fight and we are looking forward to the game,” Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees told ZIFA media.

“So for now, we are focusing on Benin and we are not thinking about the next game. “Our preparations will determine if we will get the maximum points because we don’t want to drop points at this stage in time.”

Benin and Zimbabwe have met once across all competitions following their maiden meeting on March 20.

The 2026 World Cup qualifier ended in a 2-2 draw in South Africa.