Zimbabwe will host Benin on Matchday 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday at 6 PM CAT. Live broadcasts will be available via ZBC TV and FIFA Plus app, among others. Team news includes the return of Knowledge Musona and the absence of Marvelous Nakamba due to injury. Both teams are keenly preparing for this first meeting in years.
Zimbabwe is set to face Benin in Matchday 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C. The match will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Thursday at 6 PM CAT. This encounter marks the teams’ first meeting in recent years, with the game being held at a neutral venue due to the lack of approved stadiums in Zimbabwe.
ZIFA has confirmed that the match will be broadcast live by state broadcaster ZBC TV, accessible via terrestrial feed, DStv Zimbabwe, and Zim Digital Decoder. Additionally, FIFA Plus will stream the event live, while Soccer24 promises comprehensive updates. Other broadcasters SABC Sport and SuperSport TV have yet to finalize their coverage information.
Coaches from both teams shared insights before the match. Zimbabwe’s Michael Nees acknowledged Benin’s quality, stating, “Benin have a good quality… But we have to take it with positivity and self-confidence, and give everything in our power to deliver a good performance.” Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr remarked on the importance of the match, saying, “It’s a match everyone wants to win… I’m sure he’s prepared his squad well.”
In terms of team news, Zimbabwe has recalled former captain Knowledge Musona, who had previously retired from international play in 2022. Current captain Marvelous Nakamba will not participate due to injury, with Richard Hachiro stepping in. Isheanesu Mauchi remains uncapped at the international level. Benin maintains most of its recent squad, though Candas Fiogbé has received a first call-up, and his starting status is unclear. Notable absences for Benin include Olivier Verdon, Tosin Aiyegun, and Cédric Hountondji.
As for the teams’ recent World Cup Qualifiers form, Zimbabwe holds a record of DDLL, placing them 6th, while Benin stands at 1st with LDWW. In the FIFA rankings, Zimbabwe is positioned at 121, while Benin is higher at 94.
In summary, Zimbabwe’s upcoming match against Benin presents a significant opportunity for both teams in the World Cup Qualifiers. The neutral venue serves to level the playing field, and both coaches are preparing their squads with awareness of the stakes involved. Fans can anticipate a competitive match, enhanced by live broadcasts offering various viewing options.
Original Source: www.soccer24.co.zw
