2026 World Cup qualifiers: Benin routs Lesotho, Rwanda beats Zimbabwe

Including goals from Steve Mounié and Andreas Hountondji, Benin thrashed Lesotho (4-0) this Tuesday in 2026 World Cup qualifying. The win brings the Cheetahs back to within three points of group leaders South Africa. For their part, Rwanda beat Zimbabwe 1-0.

Benin is now just three points off top spot in Group C, which means qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals. The Cheetahs moved their tally to 14 after their emphatic win over Lesotho on Tuesday.

Against the Likuena, Benin won convincingly, 4-0. Andréas Hountondji, Hassane Imourane, Junior Olaitan and captain Steve Mounié scored the four goals. A statement win they’ll now need to build on over the final two matchdays, against Nigeria and Rwanda, in October.

In the other games in this group, Rwanda got the better of Zimbabwe (1-0) and moved into fourth place, level with Nigeria, who drew with South Africa (1-1).