Zimbabwe came from behind to draw 2-2 against Benin in their World Cup qualifying match. Benin initially led 2-0 thanks to goals from Steve Mounié and Dokou Dodo. However, Zimbabwe equalized with goals from Marshall Munetsi and Knowledge Musona. Following the draw, Benin leads Group C with 8 points while both Zimbabwe and Nigeria occupy the bottom positions.
In a thrilling encounter during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe managed to draw 2-2 against Benin after initially trailing by two goals. The West African team, displaying determination, opened the scoring in the 12th minute thanks to striker Steve Mounié, who capitalized on a goalkeeping error. Benin maintained their attacking pressure, and in the 35th minute, Dokou Dodo extended their lead with a goal from a counterattack.
However, Zimbabwe rallied with veteran forwards Knowledge Musona, Khamat Billiat, and Jordan Zemura revitalizing their offense. Just before halftime, Wolves’ Marshall Munetsi scored, inching Zimbabwe closer with a crucial goal. The second half saw Zimbabwe’s manager Michael Nees replace Prince Dube with Tawanda Chirewa, enhancing their midfield strength.
The Warriors’ efforts culminated in an equalizer when Knowledge Musona netted a stunning goal in the 59th minute. Despite various attempts from both teams, the match concluded with a 2-2 scoreline. Following this draw, Benin sits atop Group C with 8 points, ahead of Rwanda and South Africa, with both Zimbabwe and Nigeria positioned at the bottom on 3 points.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe is set to face Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on March 24, while Benin will host South Africa on March 25 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The competition remains fierce as group winners earn direct entry into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and four runners-up will vie for a playoff spot to secure Africa’s place in the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
The encounter between Zimbabwe and Benin showcased immense resilience from Zimbabwe, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a vital draw. Despite the stalemate, Benin leads Group C, presenting a competitive outlook for upcoming matches. The stakes remain high, as progression from the group could lead to opportunities for both teams to qualify for the prestigious World Cup.
Original Source: www.panafricafootball.com
