Zimbabwe will face Benin on the neutral ground of Moses Mabhida Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday. The match will air live on ZBC TV and stream on FIFA Plus. Both teams are in different forms, with Zimbabwe struggling and Benin finding success. Key player absences and statements from coaches add to the match’s significance.
Zimbabwe is set to host Benin in the Matchday 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C. Scheduled at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, the match will kick off at 6 PM CAT, utilizing this neutral location due to the lack of approved stadiums in Zimbabwe. This encounter marks the teams’ first meeting in recent years.
The match will be broadcasted live by ZIFA through state broadcaster ZBC TV, accessible via terrestrial feed, DStv Zimbabwe, and Zim Digital Decoder. Fans can also stream the game live on the FIFA Plus app while Soccer24 will provide real-time updates. Confirmation from SABC Sport and SuperSport TV regarding their coverage is pending.
Both coaches shared insights ahead of the match. Zimbabwe’s coach Michael Nees emphasized the quality of 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.” On the other hand, Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr noted, “It’s a match everyone wants to win… I’m sure [the coach] has prepared his squad well.”
In terms of team news, Zimbabwe has welcomed back former captain Knowledge Musona, who returned from retirement in 2022. However, current captain Marvelous Nakamba will miss the game due to injury; Richard Hachiro has been selected as his replacement. Isheanesu Mauchi remains uncapped at the international level. For Benin, several players from recent matches remain in the squad, excluding Candas Fiogbé, who was recently called up but might not start. Major absentees for Benin include Olivier Verdon, Tosin Aiyegun, and Cédric Hountondji.
Regarding current form in the World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe holds a record of DDLL, placing sixth, while Benin is performing well with a record of LDWW, securing the first position in the group. According to FIFA rankings, Zimbabwe is in 121st place, while Benin is higher at 94th.
The upcoming match between Zimbabwe and Benin is crucial for World Cup qualifier standings, showcasing teams at different levels of performance. With Zimbabwe looking to leverage home advantage and Benin showcasing stronger form, both teams will aim for a favorable outcome. The match factors in player absences and the strategic return of key players, making for an exciting encounter.
Original Source: www.soccer24.co.zw
