Zimbabwe recorded a 2-2 draw with Benin in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, leaving them at the bottom of Group C. Washington Arubi’s mistakes contributed to Benin’s initial lead, but the Warriors equalized thanks to goals from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona. Their path to qualification remains uncertain, with a crucial match upcoming against Nigeria.
Zimbabwe faced a significant setback in their quest for FIFA World Cup qualification following a 2-2 draw against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This result leaves Zimbabwe at the bottom of Group C, facing an uphill battle to advance. Washington Arubi’s early mistake allowed Benin to take the lead, along with poor defensive communication contributing further to their struggles.
The match showcased Zimbabwe’s initial dominance; however, a costly error by goalkeeper Arubi allowed Benin’s Steve Mounie to score after intercepting a misjudged clearance. Benin extended their lead shortly thereafter, catching the Warriors off guard. Despite this, Zimbabwe managed to claw their way back into the match. Marshall Munetsi scored just before halftime, igniting hopes of a comeback.
Following the break, Zimbabwe equalized with a well-placed free-kick by Jordan Zemura that found Knowledge Musona, who scored impressively. Despite efforts to secure a win, coach Michael Nees acknowledged the physical toll the fightback had on his players and saluted their character. The match concluded with Benin top of the group at eight points while Zimbabwe remained stagnant at three after five matches.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will face Nigeria in an upcoming match that is crucial for their World Cup dreams. A loss against Nigeria would definitively crush their aspirations for qualification to the World Cup. The standings reveal a competitive group, and the gap to the leaders could increase if Rwanda or South Africa achieve victory in their respective matches this weekend.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualification journey faces a critical challenge after the recent draw against Benin. Washington Arubi’s errors significantly impacted the match, leading to a difficult situation for the team. Despite a commendable fightback, the Warriors find themselves at the bottom of their group and must secure victory against Nigeria to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
