Zimbabwe will face Benin in the World Cup Qualifiers at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The match is set for Thursday at 6 PM CAT and will be broadcast live on ZBC TV and streamed on FIFA Plus. Coaches from both teams expressed confidence and respect for their opponents.
Zimbabwe will host Benin in the Matchday 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C, set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday at 6 PM CAT. The match will occur on neutral ground due to the unavailability of approved stadiums in Zimbabwe, marking the first encounter between the two teams in recent years.
The game will be broadcast live by the Zimbabwe Football Association through ZBC TV, available on terrestrial feed, DStv Zimbabwe, and Zim Digital Decoder. For digital streaming, the FIFA Plus app will also provide live coverage, while Soccer24 will offer real-time updates. The broadcasting details from SABC Sport and SuperSport TV are pending confirmation.
Warriors’ coach Michael Nees expressed confidence despite acknowledging Benin’s quality, saying, “Benin have a good quality… But we have to take it with positivity and self-confidence.” In contrast, Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr emphasized respect for Zimbabwe’s capabilities, stating, “We respect our opponents… I’m sure he’s prepared his squad well.”
In terms of team news, Zimbabwe has recalled former captain Knowledge Musona, who previously retired in 2022, while current skipper Marvelous Nakamba will not participate due to injury, with Richard Hachiro stepping in. Notably, Isheanesu Mauchi remains uncapped at the national level. Benin has maintained several players from prior matches, with the exception of Candas Fiogbé, who is uncertain to start despite being called up. Significant absences for Benin include Olivier Verdon, Tosin Aiyegun, and Cédric Hountondji.
In their recent World Cup qualifying form, Zimbabwe holds a record of DDLL, placing them sixth in the standings, while Benin has secured LDWW, placing first. The FIFA rankings stand at 121 for Zimbabwe and 94 for Benin, indicating a competitive matchup ahead.
In conclusion, as Zimbabwe prepares to face Benin in the World Cup qualifiers, both teams are positioned to make a significant impact. Zimbabwe looks to build on their recent performances under the leadership of Michael Nees, while Benin aims to capitalize on their current form with Gernot Rohr at the helm. The match, taking place in Durban, promises to be a pivotal moment for both nations in their quest for qualification.
Original Source: www.soccer24.co.zw
