Mounié’s late header sinks Warriors in World Cup qualifier
Zimbabwe fell 1–0 to Benin in Abidjan in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The Warriors began brightly, with Kadewere and Maswanhise testing the Benin defence.
Garananga’s header on 10 minutes forced a fine save from keeper Dandjinou.
Benin created chances from set pieces, but Arubi was solid in goal.
The veteran keeper denied Moumini’s header in first-half stoppage time.
Halftime ended goalless, with Zimbabwe enjoying more possession.
After the break, Zimbabwe threatened from a series of corners but could not convert.
Benin grew into the game and pressed higher up the pitch.
Nakamba and Hadebe collected yellow cards as pressure mounted.
The breakthrough came on 77 minutes when Mounié scored with a powerful header.
Late changes for Zimbabwe failed to produce an equaliser, sealing a 1–0 defeat.