Story byAnashe Murombedzi
ZIMBABWE’S senior men’s football team, the Warriors, face a daunting task when they take on Benin in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, this Thursday.
They are in dire need of a win, having failed to secure a victory in their opening four matches of the campaign.
Warriors quest for a maiden World Cup appearance has been further complicated by a pair of draws against Rwanda and Nigeria, followed by disappointing defeats at the hands of Lesotho and South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s struggles in the qualifiers have left them rooted at the bottom of Group C with just two points, six behind leaders South Africa.
In stark contrast, Benin has made a promising start, accumulating seven points from their four matches to sit third on the standings.
They are tied with Rwanda and South Africa, but trail on goal difference.
The Cheetahs have shown resilience, bouncing back from a 2-1 defeat to South Africa with back-to-back victories over Rwanda and Nigeria.
The Warriors will be relying on their squad depth, which includes locally-based players such as Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Emmanuel Jalai, Martin Mapisa, Tymon Machope, Isheanesu Mauchi, Peter Muduhwa, and Godknows Murwira.
They will also be bolstered by foreign-based players, including Tawanda Chirewa, Andy Rinomhota, Marley Tavaziva, Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Maswanhise, Knowledge Musona, Marshall Munetsi and Munashe Garananga.
