BENIN Republic, guided by former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr, threw open the 2026 World Cup African qualifying Group C, which contains Nigeria, after defeating leaders Rwanda 1-0 last night.
The victory in Benin’s temporary home in Abijdan, Cote d’Ivoire, secured through Dokou Dodo’s 37th minute strike, took Rohr’s side to second in the group standings, level on four points with Rwanda, while the Super Eagles dropped to fourth spot.
Rwanda and Benin Republic have four points from three matches each, leaving the door open for the Super Eagles to go top of the group with five points if they beat South Africa in Uyo in their matchday 3 clash tonight.
South Africa, who are currently third with three points, would also take leadership of the group with a win in Uyo and go level with Rwanda and Benin Republic with a draw.
Group C is so open that the winners of today’s fixture between Zimbabwe and Lesotho could also go top, as both sides have two points each and victory would take the victors up to five.
In Group I, Ghana secured a vital 2-1 win over Mali in Bamako to move up to second, level on six points with surprise leaders Comoros, who have played one game fewer.
Jordan Ayew was the hero of the night for the Black Stars, as the Crystal Palace striker’s goal in stoppage time snatched all three points for Ghana, who produced an impressive comeback.
Kamory Doumbia’s 58th minute strike gave the hosts the lead before Ernest Nuamah levelled up for Ghana and Ayew struck the last-gasp winner to leave Mali in third place, two points adrift.
There was also a stunning away victory for Guinea in Algeria, with the West Africans winning 2-1 in Algiers.
Mortaye Sylla’s 50th minute goal and Aguibou Camara’s 63rd minute strike were sandwiched by an own goal as Guinea went level on six points with Algeria at the top of Group G.
In other African World Cup qualifiers last night, Egypt kept up their 100 percent record in Group A with a 2-1 home victory over Burkina Faso with Mahmoud Trezeguet bagging a brace, while the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a 1-1 draw in Senegal with a late Fiston Mayele strike in Group B.
