Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Warriors must give everything on Friday against Benin if they are to keep their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification hopes alive, says Tawanda Maswanhise.
The national team is currently in camp in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where the match will be played at Alassane Ouattara Stadium. Both Zimbabwe and Benin have struggled with home facilities, forcing them to play away from home, making every match an uphill battle.
Zimbabwe currently sit at the bottom of Group C with just four points. South Africa lead the group on 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin are tied on eight, Nigeria have seven, and Lesotho have six. While a win may not drastically improve qualification chances, Maswanhise insists the squad must target victory.
“The weather here is not too bad, we are coping. We also had good sessions and we look forward to the Friday game.
We are targeting a win. I don’t know how we are going to do it, but we have to win. The main focus on Friday is to pick up three points,” he told Zifa Media.
The squad faces a notable absence in Scottland FC star Khama Billiat, who is nursing an injury. Billiat, recalled from international retirement last year, has struggled for game time and started the last six games for Scottland FC on the bench.
Mabvuku dominates the squad with four energetic players: Godknows Murwira, Terence Dzvukamanja, Walter Musona, and Knowledge Musona. Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai and team leader Marvelous Nakamba are also in the mix, alongside Teenage Hadebe, United States-based defender, and gifted Mamelodi Sundowns left back Devine Lunga.
The squad also includes Thando Ngwenya, a 22-year-old forward who recently scored on his debut for AmaZulu in the South African Premiership. With Zimbabwe struggling for goals, netting only five in six qualifiers, Ngwenya could be the spark the Warriors desperately need. Other notable inclusions are Gerald Takwara, Marshall Munetsi, Bill Antonio, and Prosper Padera.
Kick-off is set for 6pm, with Zimbabwe hoping to fight for a crucial three points and show resilience despite their low standing in the group.
Warriors Squad for Benin and Rwanda: Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Martin Mapisa, Godknows Murwira, Walter Musona, Emmanuel Jalai, Terence Dzvukamanja, Knowledge Musona, Tymon Machope, Gerald Takwara, Tawanda Chirewa, Marvelous Nakamba, Thando Ngwenya, Devine Lunga, Bill Antonio, Tivonge Rushesha, Brendan Galloway, Tawanda Maswanhise, Munashe Garananga, Tino Kadewere, Prosper Padera, Teenage Hadebe.
The Warriors will need every ounce of skill, determination, and luck if they are to overturn their poor start and give Zimbabwe fans hope in the 2026 World Cup campaign.
