When is Zimbabwe vs Benin?

Zimbabwe and Benin will take on each other in the fifth round of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers.
Zimbabwe is at the bottom of the group with just two points.
Benin, on the other hand, is in third place, just a spot below the qualifying spots.

Tournament: CAF World Cup Qualifiers
Date: 20 March, 2025
Kick-off Time: 4:00 pm GMT
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Zimbabwe and Benin will travel to a neutral venue, South Africa on Thursday to contest the fifth round of the African qualifiers for the coveted FIFA World Cup 2026. Six matchdays are left to be played in the group which also includes Rwanda, Lesotho, and Nigeria. Zimbabwe is in all sorts of bother, sitting at the bottom with just two points so far while Benin is in a tight race with South Africa and Rwanda for a place in the top two. The Zimbabwe vs Benin fixture will certainly hold a lot of importance for the overall picture of the group.

Inconsistencies and mixed results have marked Zimbabwe's recent results. In the last six games, the national team has managed just a couple of victories to go with a defeat and three draws. Zimbabwe did manage to qualify for the African Cup of Nations which will hopefully instill some much-needed confidence in the players for the 2026 World Cup. A victory over one of the contenders for the qualification spots will certainly shake up the group and present Zimbabwe as one of the sides to look out for.

Benin has also been a victim of inconsistent results lately. The Benin National Team has accumulated two victories, two draws, and two defeats in the last six games. During this period, Benin has scored seven goals and conceded a further six. Benin is ranked 94th in the FIFA international rankings. Benin will look to collect a big victory over Zimbabwe and improve the goal difference which can prove to be a big difference in the qualification scenario later on.

Zimbabwe Team News

Zimbabwe Team Players — Zimbabwe National Football Team Players (Image Credit: Zimbabwe's Official X Account)

Luton Town's midfielder, Marvelous Nakamba is the only name scheduled to miss the game for Zimbabwe owing to a muscle injury. Zimbabwe usually lines in an orthodox 4-2-3-1 formation, giving them a perfect balance between defence and attack.

Benin Team News

Gernot Rohr (Image Credit: Benin's Official X Account)

There are no injuries or fitness issues reported out of the Benin camp so far. Head coach, Gernot Rohr's press conference will make the availability scenario clearer in the coming days. Benin is also expected to go in with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Zimbabwe vs Benin Predicted Lineups

Zimbabwe Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Arubi

Defenders: Murwira, Garananga, Hadebe, Lunga

Midfielders: Hachiro, Rinomhota, Billiat

Forwards: Maswanhise, Zemura, Mapfumo

Benin Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Dandjinou

Defenders: Ouorou, Roche, Tijani, Kiki

Midfielders: D'Almeida, Imourane, Dodo

Forwards: Tosin, Olaitan, Mounie

Zimbabwe vs Benin H2H Record

This will be the first-ever meeting between Zimbabwe and Benin. Both countries will be eager to make a mark on this fixture.

Key Players to watch in Zimbabwe vs Benin

Andy Rinomhota (Zimbabwe)

Much of Zimbabwe's midfield's performance depends on its captain, Marvelous Nakamba. However, the 31-year-old will not be available during this international break and hence, it will be Andy Rinomhota who will be expected to step forward in his absence. The two players line in a double pivot for their country and Rinomhota will now become the main man in the middle of the park. The Cardiff City man has won 37 tackles and has a 55.6% successful dribble rate this season for his club. His display will hold a direct bearing on Zimbabwe's chances on Thursday.

Steve Mounie (Benin)

Steve Mounie (Image Credit: Benin's Official X Account)

Steve Mounie plays for FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga. He will lead the line for Benin against Zimbabwe. Mounie has justified his place at the top, being his nation's top goalscorer so far in the qualifying campaign with two goals. He will certainly need help from the wide players and the midfielders to step up and provide extra personnel in attack. Mounie has registered 1.9 xG in the Bundesliga this season.

Zimbabwe vs Benin Prediction

The overall place of the two nations in group C goes a long way in depicting the overall quality and the form of the nations heading into this fixture. Benin will be confident in earning three points against the bottom-ranked team and also improving the difference in goals.