Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifying window continued Round 8 matches in Group C with decisive results across three teams including Benin's 4-0 hammering of Lesotho and a shock away win for Rwanda. September’s World Cup Africa qualifiers concluded on Tuesday with 15 matches played across the continent. Group C produced late twists and high stakes as Rwanda, Benin and Nigeria kept pressure on leaders South Africa whose lead was cut to just three points prior to the final round of matches which will take place in 2026. Times Sport brings you a recap of the outcomes from Group C matches. Benin 4-0 Lesotho Benin produced their most emphatic performance of the campaign to overpower Lesotho in Abidjan. Steve Mounié headed in early to set the tone and Andréas Hountondji doubled the advantage from close range. Hassane Imorou’s driven finish made it three before the break, with Junior Olaitan adding a fourth after the hour to complete a convincing win. The result lifted the Cheetahs to 14 points and second place in the group, while Lesotho remain fifth on six. South Africa 1–1 Nigeria A fiercely contested meeting between two heavyweights ended level. Bafana Bafana struck first when Troost-Ekong turned a left-wing cross into his own net under pressure. Nigeria responded before the interval: Mbekezeli Mbokazi beat his man down the right and squared for Bassey to convert from close range. Chances came at both ends after half-time. The Super Eagles carried the greater threat in transition but a disciplined South African back line, buoyed by a loud home support, resisted. The draw kept South Africa well placed in the race for the automatic berth, while Nigeria may need a flawless finish to reel in the leaders and, failing that, position themselves for the play-off route. Zimbabwe 0–1 Rwanda Rwanda claimed a valuable away victory to move stay in the race of qualification although it may seem almost impossible. Gilbert Mugisha pounced five minutes before the break, steering home from close range after a rapid transition. The visitors then defended stoutly, with Fiacre Ntwari’s back line managing the late aerial bombardment. The win took Rwanda to 11 points, level with Nigeria. South Africa remain in control on 17 points, yet the battle beneath them has tightened markedly. Zimbabwe stay bottom on four points, ruing missed chances in a second half they largely controlled. Benin, moved to second place with 14 points, may be the winners of this window as they keep pressure on South Africa, with three points separating them.
