Preview: Benin vs Zimbabwe - prediction, team news, lineups

Benin will look to secure their first win in 2025 when they meet Zimbabwe in a crucial CAF 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Stade Alassane Ouattara on Friday.

The Warriors are at the bottom of the Group C table with just four points, whereas the home side are third with eight points, five points behind leaders South Africa.

Match preview

Benin, who have never qualified for the World Cup, lost ground to move to the top of the table after suffering a 2-0 defeat against South Africa in March.

Rwanda are occupying second spot with eight points, the same as the Cheetahs, but they have a slightly better goal difference.

There are still many games to be played, and therefore, the Squirrels must not lose hope of automatic qualification yet, as a few results here and there could work in their favour, provided they continue to win their matches.

In the previous meeting between the two sides, Benin managed a 2-2 draw away from home, and Gernot Rohr's side were left frustrated as they squandered a 2-0 lead.

Having failed to pick up a win in 2025, it will come as a massive blow to their direct qualification hopes if they drop points against Zimbabwe, who could re-enter contention with two strong results this month.

Like Benin, their opponents have also never qualified for the World Cup finals, and they face an uphill task from here even to finish second.

Both Zimbabwe and Lesotho are on six points, while Nigeria are just above them with seven points, and the situation does not look bright for them.

However, if Michael Nees's side can produce a stubborn display and pick up wins against both Benin and Rwanda this month, the table will look completely different.

The Warriors will face South Africa and Lesotho in October, and they could play a vital role in the next four games in determining the eventual winner from the group, even if they can pick up a few wins.

The recent form has not been great, which does not exude enough confidence, as they are winless in their last five games at this stage.

Benin World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

D W W D L

Zimbabwe World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

D L L D D

Team News

Rohr has named a strong squad for the two upcoming games, and all eyes will be on Steve Mounie, who has scored three goals in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Mounie also registered two goals in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifications, while Andreas Hountondji has also scored the same number of goals in the same competition.

For the visitors, Jonah Fabisch is still suffering from a concussion, and Tymon Machope has replaced him. Likewise, Tivonge Rushesha has come in place of Sean Fusire.

Marshall Munetsi is serving a one-match suspension, and he will rejoin the rest of the squad in Johannesburg. Brendan Galloway and Marvelous Nakamba have been named in the squad, but Marley Tavaziva and Khama Billiat miss out due to injuries.

Benin possible starting lineup:

Dandjinou; Roche, Tijani, Verdon, Ouorou; Attidjikou, D’Almeida, Hassane, Dossou; Dokou, Mounie

Zimbabwe possible starting lineup:

Chipezese; Hadebe, Takwara, Galloway; Antonio, Nakamba, Jalai, Machope; Dzvukamanja, Musona, Maswanhise

We say: Benin 1-0 Zimbabwe

Both teams are heading into this game on the back of a poor run, but Benin need a victory to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

Mounie has been in great form for the Cheetahs, and they are likely to snatch a slender victory.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.