Rwanda and Benin are back in action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifying Group C. Both sides go head to head at Amahoro National Stadium on Friday, October 10 kickoff at 5:00pm. Lying fourth on the table with 11 points, level with third-placed Nigeria who are playing Lesotho, Amavubi know that beating Benin would see them climb to 14 points and catch Benin and South Africa who face Zimbabwe. Who have an edge on Friday’s clash? Rwanda and Benin have met 10 times out of which Benin won five, Rwanda won two times while three matches ended in a draw. The head-to-head statistics give Gernot Rohr’s Cheetahs an edge ahead of Friday’s crunch clash at Amahoro Stadium. The visitors remain in pole position to win the game. Benin have scored 15 goals while Amavubi found the back of Benin’s net five times. Amavubi struggling under Amrouche Amavubi have been far from impressive since Adel Amrouche took over from former German coach Frank Spittler. Under the Belgian veteran coach, Rwanda played seven matches from which they only won once, drew once and lost four games. Benin’s World Cup ticket is theirs to lose Meanwhile, Benin’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup took a major boost when South Africa were deducted three points and slapped a 3-0 loss after they were found guilty of fielding Teboho Mokoena who was ineligible to play against Lesotho as he had accumulated two yellow cards. The sanctions saw Bafana Bafana drop to second place and with a lower goal difference and that put Benin in pole position to qualify for the World Cup for the first time. While they won three of their last seven games, losing twice and drawing twice, the journey has not been smooth at all. And yet, the last two qualifying matches against Rwanda and Nigeria, both away from home, keep them holding on from dancing before the party starts. There is still hope! The upcoming fixtures are crucial for Rwanda, as victory over Benin and South Africa matches could dramatically change the final standings and potentially push them to the top of the group. With national pride on the line and World Cup dreams still within reach, all eyes will be on Amahoro Stadium this coming Friday as Amavubi look to secure a victory at home before heading to South Africa for their final test against Bafana Bafana on October 14. It’s a four-horse race Four Group C teams are all in contention of the ticket to the World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The battle took a new twist after South Africa were docked three points after world Football governing body sanctioned them with a 3-0 forfeit defeat over fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho. Group C table (attached)
