Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Zimbabwe national football team, The Warriors, are set for a high-stakes encounter against Benin this afternoon at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ivory Coast.
The match is a crucial fixture in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Group C, where Zimbabwe currently sit at the bottom with four points from six matches, and their hopes of reaching the global tournament are hanging by a thread.
While the World Cup qualification might be a long shot, this match is a vital step in the Warriors’ preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals.
According to coach Michael Nees, the team is fully aware of the significance of every game as they build a strong squad for the continental showpiece.
In his pre-match interview, Nees expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, despite the absence of three regular starters, including the likes of Khama Billiat and Martial Munetsi.
The coach emphasised that the team has adapted and has a growing pool of talented players.
“Well, preparations so far are progressing very good. We settled in quite quickly in the environment, in the hotel and the training environment in Abidjan,” Nees said.
“We’re getting more and more confident. We analysed the opponent. We analyse our own training sessions, our own data, our impressions and what I expect from the players to give their best tomorrow. We can be confident. So far, everything is on track.”
He acknowledged the challenge posed by Benin, describing them as a very stubborn and very disciplined team that does not concede many goals.
For Benin, this match is of immense importance as a victory would bring them a significant step closer to World Cup qualification.
Nees noted the tough competition for places within the squad, stating that no player will be given a starting spot as a gift.
He added that every player at the camp has been good and that the competition for places in the team will get tougher
“It will get tougher and tougher towards the Afcon,” Nees said.
“So every player needs to use every possible chance to showcase in training, in a match, if he plays, if he comes in, that he’s ready for these challenges.”
The coach also mentioned a unique challenge for the players tonight: the match will be played in a large stadium with few spectators, as the host nation, Ivory Coast, plays its game almost two hours later in a different venue.
“It’s a little bit pity tomorrow that the game is in the big stadium without many spectators, as Ivory Coast plays almost two hours after us in another stadium,” Nees said.
“So it might be a little bit mentality, a little bit COVID-19 game again. And we as staff, as coaches, but also the players, they want atmosphere, football atmosphere.
“We must mentally prepare us also for that, for that COVID-19-like atmosphere in the stadium. And look that we can ourselves push ourselves.”
The Warriors’ squad for this crucial game blends youth and experience.
Rising star Tawanda Maswanhise, who has been in impressive scoring form for his club, is expected to provide a major boost to the attack.
He is joined by other promising players like Tawanda Chirewa and Bill Antonio.
The team also features experienced campaigners such as Tino Kadewere, Marvelous Nakamba, Jordan Zemura and Munashe Garananga, among others.
With just four points to their name, the Warriors face a monumental task in their final group matches.
A positive result against Benin is not just about keeping their slim World Cup hopes alive, but also about building momentum and a strong foundation for the future.
The match kicks off at 3pm.
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