Zimbabwe vs Benin: Match Preview, Team News, and Broadcast Information

Zimbabwe will face Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The match is set for Thursday at 6 PM CAT. ZBC TV will broadcast the game live, while Soccer24 offers live updates. Zimbabwe recalled former captain Knowledge Musona, yet current captain Marvelous Nakamba is absent due to injury. Benin retains most players, missing key individuals. Zimbabwe is currently sixth in the group with Benin at first.

Zimbabwe is set to host Benin on 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, with kickoff scheduled for 6 PM CAT. This game will be held at a neutral venue due to the lack of approved stadiums in Zimbabwe, marking the first encounter between the two teams in recent years.

In terms of broadcasting, ZIFA has announced that state broadcaster ZBC TV will air the match live. Viewers can access the channel on terrestrial feed, DStv Zimbabwe, and via Zim Digital Decoder. Moreover, the FIFA Plus app will stream the game, while Soccer24 will provide live updates. SABC Sport and SuperSport TV have yet to release their broadcasting details.

Regarding team news, Zimbabwe has recalled former captain Knowledge Musona, who had retired from international play in 2022. Current captain Marvelous Nakamba will miss this match due to injury, with Richard Hachiro stepping in as his replacement. Notably, Isheanesu Mauchi is the only uncapped player in the Zimbabwe squad. Meanwhile, Benin retains most players from their recent squad, although Candas Fiogbé has received a first call-up, pending his starting status.

In terms of player absences, Benin will be without Olivier Verdon, Tosin Aiyegun, and Cédric Hountondji. Reflecting on their recent form, Zimbabwe holds a record of DDLL, placing them in 6th position, while Benin’s form stands at LDWW, placing them at the top of the group. Notably, FIFA rankings place Zimbabwe at 121 and Benin at 94.

In summary, the upcoming match between Zimbabwe and Benin on Thursday presents a crucial opportunity for both teams in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The neutral venue signifies logistical challenges for Zimbabwe and adds an interesting dynamic to this matchup. With key players returning and others absent, both squads will need to showcase their capabilities to secure a vital win.

Original Source: www.soccer24.co.zw