Zimbabwe will host Benin in the World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. The match is set for 6 PM CAT, with live broadcast by ZBC TV and streaming available via FIFA Plus. Zimbabwe’s squad sees the return of former captain Knowledge Musona, while Benin retains core players, missing key individuals due to injuries. Zimbabwe sits at sixth place in their group, while Benin leads.
Zimbabwe is set to face Benin in Matchday 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Group C. The match will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday, with a kick-off scheduled for 6 PM CAT. This encounter marks the first competitive meeting between the two teams in recent years, and it will occur on neutral ground due to the unavailability of suitable stadiums in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has confirmed that the match will be broadcast live by state broadcaster ZBC TV. The channel is accessible via terrestrial feed, DStv Zimbabwe, and Zim Digital Decoder. Additionally, the FIFA Plus app will provide live streaming, while Soccer24 will deliver real-time updates throughout the game. Confirmation from SABC Sport and SuperSport TV regarding their coverage has yet to be announced.
In preparation for the match, Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees spoke positively about Benin, stating, “Benin have a good quality… But we have to take it with positivity and self-confidence, and give everything in our power to deliver a good performance.” Conversely, Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr acknowledged the significance of the match by asserting, “It’s a match everyone wants to win. We respect our opponents, who qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations…”
In terms of team dynamics, Zimbabwe has welcomed back former captain Knowledge Musona, who previously retired from international football in 2022. However, current captain Marvelous Nakamba will be absent due to injury and has been replaced by Richard Hachiro. The Zimbabwe squad includes Isheanesu Mauchi, who is yet to earn a cap at the national level.
On the Benin side, the majority of the squad remains intact from their recent games, excluding Candas Fiogbé, who has received his first call-up, although his starting position remains uncertain. Notable omissions from the Benin lineup include Olivier Verdon, Tosin Aiyegun, and Cédric Hountondji.
Analyzing current performance in the World Cup Qualifiers, Zimbabwe occupies the sixth position in their group with a record of DDLL, while Benin leads the group at position one with a record of LDWW. Regarding FIFA rankings, Zimbabwe is positioned at 121, while Benin stands at 94.
In conclusion, the upcoming match between Zimbabwe and Benin promises to be an intriguing encounter as both teams seek to secure vital points in their World Cup Qualifying campaign. With a mix of experienced and new players, both coaches have expressed confidence in their teams’ preparations. The neutral ground, broadcast arrangements, and team updates contribute to the anticipation surrounding this fixture, setting the stage for an exciting clash that could influence their respective standings in the group.
Original Source: www.soccer24.co.zw
