Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Warriors should be cautious when they take on Benin in a World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa this afternoon.
Benin are tied at the top of the standings after four matches with South Africa and Rwanda.
All three have seven points, two more than Nigeria who started the campaign as favourites last year, given their pedigree in players’ reserves, experience and history.
Benin will certainly be no pushers and with both teams on away soils, no team boasts of home advantage though Zimbabweans could be swayed by fan factor with about 10 000 plus fans expected to pay to watch the match.
A look at the Warriors’ opponents, their hopes look will be pinned on top scorer Steve Mounie who plays for Bundesliga side Ausburg.
He also boasts of having played in France for Montepellier and Huddersfield in the UK.
He has 19 goals from 59 caps for his country.
While he may not have found the target at his club this term in 14 matches, he remains their talisman.
He began his international career in 2015.
The 30-year-old could be partnered by Jodel Dossou who plays for Luxembourg Victoria, a veteran of 67 internationals and a return of 10 goals.
It is the European experience drawn from a number of leagues the players are from that should count as a threat for the Warriors.
derick.khumalo