Warriors take on Benin

It’s about three hours before the Moses Mabhida Stadium erupts with both emotion and tensity.

Zimbabwe are keen to get their 2026 World Cup campaign going.

They have stuttered in the opening four games, picking only two points to let South Africa, Rwanda and Benin open a five point gap leaving them at the foot of the six-team Group C table.

They have to right the wrongs in the remaining six games. The episode opens at 6pm against Benin, who have emerged as the surprise favourites to clinch the available sole ticket to the quadrennial jamboree set to be co-hosted, for the first time ever, by three countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.

It’s a huge test of the Warriors character. Durban boost a good number of the Zimbabwean community. They have promised to pitch up for the game. Here and there, in Durban CBD, I have met people clad in the Warriors kit. I have talked to some who have confirmed they are

Zimbabweans while others said they are from the DR Congo but they have made it clear they will be supporting Michael Nees and his boys.

At the stadium, very little activity as of now save for cashiers who will be collecting the entry fees. The temperature is at 23 Degrees Celcius but Moses Mabhida Stadium, built right on the Northern shore, always receives some cool breeze from the sea. By 6pm, the conditions will be more than ideal for a perfect World Cup qualifying match. Zimbabwe is dominated by Europe based stars and that’s what they are used to.

Our crew is in Durban and will provide blow-by-blow updates.

Warriors Probable 11

I am not in a position to give you the First 11 to take to the pitch against Benin at the moment.

Michael Nees knows how to play his cards closer to his chest. There are no leakages.

But I certainly have a hint. The team conducted their final preparations at the match venue late yesterday.

And this is what the indicators were pointing to.

Warriors Probable 11

Washington Arubi, Munashe Garananga, Gerald Takwara, Peter Muduhwa, Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga, Andy Rinomhota, Marshal Munetsi, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Prince Dube

Warriors tickets sold out on Ticketpro

… Tickets now on black market at R100

TICKETS for the FIFA World Cup qualifier between Zimbabwe and Benin have been sold out on the platform Ticketpro, and are now selling on the black market at an inflated minimum price of R100.

The two teams clash in a Group C encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 6pm today (Thursday), in what is a do-or-die clash for the Warriors.

Fans who spoke to Zimpapers Sport say they have resorted to buying tickets on the black market to ensure they watch the showdown.

“I was personally surprised. We think some people just bought all the available tickets on the platform for resale.

“It happens a lot and sometimes you have to buy at the stadium. I’m yet to buy mine,” said one Blessed Katiyo.

Zimpapers made an effort to try and book a ticket using Ticketpro and the platform showed the message “we could not find (one) ticket available in unreserved”.

“Obviously it’s a big gamble for those that bought the tickets. They bought at R50 and expect to make 100 percent profit. They may end up selling them at the stadium at giveaway prices if they don’t find buyers.”

The Warriors game has attracted much interest in South Africa, with some Warriors fans travelling for the game to Durban to give the team maximum support.

President Mnangagwa rallies Warriors, dangles US$150 000 bonus

President Mnangagwa has offered a winning bonus of US$150 000 for the Warriors should they earn a victory over Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, this evening.

He has also pledged the same amount for a win against Nigeria in Uyo next Tuesday.

Zimbabwe are out to revive their stuttering start to the campaign in these two fixtures.

This means that, over and above the US$1million set aside by Government for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Finals, the Warriors stand to earn an extra US$300 000, should they secure wins in both fixtures.

A statement released by the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) earlier today reads: “This support underscores the Government’s unwavering commitment to the growth and success of football in Zimbabwe and the aspirations of the Warriors as they strive for World Cup qualification.

“The nation is urged to rally behind the team, as they carry our hopes and pride onto the field.

“Zimbabwe stands united behind the Warriors – Go Warriors, Go Zimbabwe!”

The city of Durban is warming up to the much-anticipated match with hooting Zimbabweans based here colouring the streets.

The Warriors are still at their hotel relaxing and they will have an early lunch before heading to the iconic beachside stadium.

Blessed Katiyo in Durban gives us the picture before the Warriors, Benin showdown

 

Chitekete warms up the venue

Match officials for the game, all from Ethiopia have arrived to sample the turf at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The venue is still empty and the officials have been greeted by arguably the best song to be composed in Zimbabwe, Leonard Dembo’s Chitekete which is playing loudly in the stadium.

Teams arrive at Moses Mabhidha

The Warriors and their opponents Benin are now both at the match venue. They will now step on the pitch before going to the change rooms to ready up for warm-ups.

Benin

 

Fans in happy mood as they start trickling in for the match

Our man on the ground Langton Nyakwenda gives us Durban based Warriors fans dancing to some Zimbabwean musical tunes before kick off.

The Warriors are about to come out for warm up at Moses Mabhida Stadium, ahead of a Group C World Cup qualifier against Benin which kicks off at 6PM

Jalai gets first Warriors start

Emmanuel Jalai has been handed a first start in the Warriors squad.

The teams are warming up and the clock is ticking really fast towards kick-off.

Warriors First 11

Washington Arubi, Munashe Garananga, Gerald Takwara, Emmanuel Jalai, Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga, Andy Rinomhota, Marshal Munetsi, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Prince Dube

Some history on Moses Mabidha Stadium.

The Stadium was built between 2007 and 2009 at a cost of US$450 million.

It has a capacity of 56 000.

Zimbabwe are hosting Benin in Durban because the country currently does not have a CAF certified stadium.

Warriors ready for Benin

The national anthems are playing as the Warriors hunt down the Benin Cheetahs.

The atmosphere is charged with a handful of Zimbabwe fans making a lot of intimidating noise. They are so confident. So happy. Up to you Michael Nees and your lads

Match kicks-off

We are underway at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Zimbabwe enjoying the early exchanges

Benin takes the lead

Some lapse in concentration at the back and Benin take the lead. Out of nothing!
It’s a shame

Zim living dangerously

Goalkeeper Washington Arubi was the culprit. He lapsed and we got punished. Fans aren’t happy. He has the experience but he lost his mind in that instance. He literally gave Benin the lead. Knowledge Musona should have cut in after the restart but his out-footer wasn’t convincing.

Zimbabwe look very much disoriented at the back. But there is still a long way to go. They have the support. They can pick the confidence and who knows, we could come back into it and pick the win.

25 minutes have gone and Benin are knocking it around. They are in an ideal situation. They have what they needed right in their corner. Zimbabwe need to pull up. They are allowing Steve Mouni too much freedom. We still trail 1-0. Mouni’s gift from Arubi, the difference

As Zemura forces a corner kick. Musona takes it. It’s a good one but Benin goalkeeper collects. The search for an equalizer continues.

Now Zimbabwe 0-2 Benin

35 minutes in and we are already 2-0 down!

The defence is sleeping on duty. Marshal Munetsi isn’t helping matters at the middle. He is losing every ball and Lunga is being overloaded. Benin have the quality to punish us. We need some freshness but noone is warming up from the bench as yet

A lot of disappointed faces. They came to watch their stars but the stars haven’t arrived at the party. Their prayers?

May some miracle happen…

Knowledge Musona was recalled from retirement to add some value in the team. He is in there but can’t really make the difference. Very much like any other player. Maybe he needs some more minutes to sprint into the groove. Zimbabwe 0-2 Benin

Munetsi pulls one back for the Warriors

Zimbabwe 1-2 Benin. Two minutes before the break.

Some good passage of play in the left axis where Zemura is enjoying his day in office culminated into a good cut-back which Munetsi simply couldn’t miss.

 

It’s almost half time now but before that, the Warriors have some work to do. They have conceded a freekick at the edge of the box. The wall does its work and its HALF TIME

Zimbabwe 1-2 Benin

Subs warming up

Michael Nees could be planning to twerk up his charges at the resumption.

Every member of his substitutes including goalkeepers Marley Tavaziva and Martin Mapisa. Could it be Arubi to pave the way or an outfield player. We definitely need to see some freshness after the break.

Benin is mostly outplaying us especially in midfield and in our defensive third. They have scored two but it could have been more. They have created the most chances and we need to plug those holes, sooner rather than later. We are down but it’s optional to be out. Nees has a whole 45 minutes and the rest of the crowd to bank on and change the narrative.

Second half begins and Tawanda Chirewa comes on for Prince Dube

Nees throws many bodies forward. Zemura brought to the right flank, Chirewa at the centre, Musona on the left. Munetsi box-to-box. We have seized the initiative, at least for now. We need that goal and take it from there.

56’ played and we are still pinning them down. But the scoreboard isn’t looking good. We need to make the dominant spell count.

Zimbabwe 1-2 Benin

Zimbabwe scores! Musona!

Zimbabwe 2-2 Benin

Knowledge Musona is still an asset after all. What a run. What a goal. What a stab. Lawnmower. It’s level after an hour. Press on. This could be the day for HISTORY!

The stadium erupts. Optimism all over. Musona has just endeared himself with the crowd. Once again

Zimbabwe has about half an hour to completely turn it around. The warriors have shown character and now need the mentality to prove they are indeed up there. It was 2-0 at 43minutes but now 2-2. Benin are managing the game well. A draw will push Zim’s tally to just three points while it’s opponents will be on eight. The warriors will still be in it but it would be more difficult to turn the tables. Zimbabwe has 30 minutes to give its self a huge leap.

Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona have paved the way for Maswanhise and Dzvukamanja. Nees need that goal. The nation need that goal. It would be massive. Just seven minutes to get it.

The clock is winding down and it looks like we will be settling for a draw. We didn’t need it but we will take it. There is still time to get that goal. Maybe

It’s all over at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Zimbabwe 2-2 Benin