2026 World Cup (Q): Victory in Rwanda, Benin one step from history

The Benin Cheetahs are closing in on a historic first-ever World Cup qualification. With Friday's win over Rwanda, they move two points ahead of South Africa.

In Group C of these 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the suspense is at its peak. With just one matchday left, three nations are separated by only three points: Benin (17 points), currently in a qualifying spot, South Africa (15 points) in second and holding the playoff place, and Nigeria (14 points) in third. On Friday night, it was the Cheetahs who seized the initiative, edging Rwanda 1-0 thanks to Aiyegun Tosin's goal. With this result, Steve Mounié and his teammates move within touching distance of a historic World Cup berth.

Meanwhile, Nigeria also kept their qualification hopes alive after a 2-1 victory over Lesotho. Troost-Ekong converted from the penalty spot, and Akor Adams dazzled with a solo run to score for the Super Eagles. Their fate will be decided on the final matchday, Tuesday, in a must-win clash against group leaders Benin. Elsewhere, Zimbabwe and South Africa played out a goalless draw (0-0), while Tunisia—already qualified—thrashed Sao Tome and Principe 6-0. Ismaël Gharbi found the net for the Carthage Eagles, and Elias Saad notched a brace.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.