Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in DURBAN, South Africa
THE Zimbabwe Warriors must win against Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this evening to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
The match kicks-off at 6pm.
Zimbabwe have not won a single World Cup qualifier since 2019.
They haven’t won any of their last four matches of the current campaign whose reward is a place at next year’s global showpiece to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.
They are on two points and sit right at the base of the six-team Group C, which is being co-led by Rwanda, South Africa and the Warriors opponents this evening all on seven points.
The five points aren’t too much. Zimbabwe are a revitalized lot. They have a new coach who has quite proven his credentials after managing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON within three months of his appointment last year.
They have a coach, who has taken some bold steps, bringing back former captain Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat from international retirement as well as forgotten veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi to steel up experience in the youthful squad.
And Nees has every reason to be confident ahead of the Benin showdown especially after observing his group engaging in different competitive recreational games as they prepared for today’s tie.
“I was not here the last time out (when the World Cup qualifiers started). I came in August. I think Zimbabwe haven’t played to their full potential but I think since August, we have performed well.
“We have found our way as a group. It’s not only about quality. I think there is also some good atmosphere in the camp,” said Nees.
“We have different groups of course, others want to play cards and others table tennis but we have really good harmony in the team. They want to be competitive. I think that’s one of our strengths, the character you know. I am fortunate to be in charge of this group.
“We are restarting the World Cup campaign which was interrupted by the AFCON qualifiers. Four games have already been played in that (World Cup) qualification before my time and we have six games remaining. Every match counts. We have 18 points to play for.
“It’s very clear, if you want to get closer, we need to have a positive result against Benin. And then, I think the impression so far, we can be confident and positive going into this match without being overconfident, with focus and concentration. And I think if we bring our best into the match, we can be successful. It’s very simple. We have to throw in the best possible plan to get a win and reduce the gap. A draw wouldn’t really help a lot.”
The German gaffer, who is becoming popular by the day due to his detailed approach to the game said the Warriors need to stay alert for the entire 90 minutes if they are to get a result against the Les Guépards (The Cheetahs).
“I understand we have to respect our opponent, and you cannot just fall in a trap, being overexcited and being over-motivated in defence and going forward. It’s a football match, it’s a fight. It would be a tough game. Benin are normally very tight,” added Nees.
“They are a competitive team. There are no doubts it will be a competitive match until the end.
“I accept the challenge. They have an experienced coach who I know personally from 30 years. So I know his mentality if I may say. His mentality, where he comes from, that’s a small advantage.”
Probable First 11
Washington Arubi, Munashe Garananga, Gerald Takwara, Peter Muduhwa, Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga, Andy Rinomhota, Marshal Munetsi, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Prince Dube
