Benin close in on historic first-ever World Cup berth after Rwanda win

The Benin Cheetahs are on the brink of making football history after defeating Rwanda 1-0 on Friday in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The victory, sealed by Aiyegun Tosin’s decisive goal, propelled Benin to the top of the group standings with 17 points, two ahead of South Africa and three clear of Nigeria.

With just one matchday remaining, the tension in Group C has reached fever pitch. Benin (17 points) now occupies the automatic qualification spot, South Africa (15 points) hold the playoff position, while Nigeria (14 points) remains in striking distance.

The Cheetahs’ victory in Kigali marks a major step toward a first-ever World Cup appearance, as head coach Gernot Rohr’s men continue to defy expectations in a fiercely contested group.

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Their final group game against Nigeria on Tuesday will be decisive, a potential winner-takes-all showdown that could see Benin book a ticket to the global showpiece for the first time in the nation’s history.

Meanwhile, Nigeria kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane. William Troost-Ekong converted from the penalty spot, while Akor Adams produced a stunning solo goal to secure all three points for the Super Eagles.

Elsewhere, South Africa were held to a goalless draw (0-0) by Zimbabwe, a result that dented Bafana Bafana’s momentum ahead of their final fixture.

In other qualifiers, Tunisia, already assured of their place at the 2026 World Cup, thrashed Sao Tome and Principe 6-0, with Ismaël Gharbi finding the net and Elias Saad bagging a brace.

All eyes now turn to Tuesday’s decisive fixtures, where history beckons for the Benin Cheetahs, one win away from turning a dream into reality.