Zimbabwe salvaged a 2-2 draw against Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after trailing by two goals. Benin started strong with Mounié and Dodo scoring, but Munetsi and Musona’s goals leveled the match. Benin leads Group C, while Zimbabwe remains at the bottom. Both teams are preparing for crucial upcoming matches.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe managed to overcome a two-goal deficit against Benin, ending the match in a 2-2 draw. Benin initially dominated the game, with striker Steve Mounié scoring the first goal within 12 minutes due to a goalkeeping error by Zimbabwe. The West African team continued to challenge, and Dokou Dodo’s goal in the 35th minute put them ahead by two goals.
Despite the early setbacks, Zimbabwe found new life as experienced forwards Knowledge Musona, Khamat Billiat, and Jordan Zemura energized their attacking strategy. Just before halftime, Marshall Munetsi reduced the deficit, scoring in the 43rd minute, which boosted the Warriors’ morale for the second half.
Zimbabwe’s manager Michael Nees made a tactical substitution, introducing Tawanda Chirewa to enhance the midfield. This change proved effective when Knowledge Musona scored an equalizer at the 59th minute. The match saw both teams striving for a winning goal, but neither could break the stalemate. Despite the draw, Benin topped Group C with 8 points, while Zimbabwe remained at the bottom alongside Nigeria, each with 3 points.
The match exemplified Zimbabwe’s resilience, showcasing their ability to fight back after trailing. Meanwhile, Benin’s early dominance highlighted their attacking capabilities. With Benin leading Group C, both teams face critical upcoming fixtures in their quest for qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Original Source: www.panafricafootball.com
