Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
The Warriors will not be part of the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup after losing 1-0 to Benin in Group C of the qualifiers this evening.
Zimbabwe needed to win this match, hosted by their opponents in Cote d’Ivoire, to remain in contention for a maiden dance in the global fiesta to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America next year.
But a late header by Steve Mounie of Benin took away the tie from them and with leaders South Africa stretching their lead over Zimbabwe to 12 points with three remaining games, it means the Warriors should wait for five more years to try again to be part of the elite in world football.
All their remaining games, including next Tuesday’s tie against Rwanda, have now been rendered academic as they will be trying to salvage national pride.
In this evening’s match, the Warriors dominated the first half but never looked effective in the final third.
Once Benin settled in, Zimbabwe looked content with defending. But they seated too deep and were duly punished.
