Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the World Cup qualifying match.
Since the November international break, Benin and Zimbabwe have managed just one win between them, and it belongs to Zimbabwe. Will either side take risks in this head-to-head to chase a win?
Benin
Benin are winless in eight matches. Half of those games ended in draws. There are no especially high-profile Europe-based players in the squad. Instead, there are a few experienced players. Chief among them are winger Steve Mounié of FC Augsburg, who has 63 caps and 20 goals, and centre-back David Kiki of FCSB, who has made 54 appearances for Benin. Both are now 30. Only Steve Mounié featured in the most recent friendly against Morocco (0:1).
Zimbabwe
Both sides are primarily in contention for the second play-off spot: South Africa have pulled five points clear of the nearest chaser. Benin trail by exactly that margin, and Zimbabwe’s prospects are slim even if they climb into second. They are bottom, still without a win and on four points. In the summer, Zimbabwe claimed a COSAFA Cup win over Mozambique (3:1). Otherwise, since late October they have five draws and five defeats, and only one other match in which they managed to score more than once.
Benin vs Zimbabwe Prediction
With that level of productivity, we do not fancy Zimbabwe even for a draw. Benin are highly motivated to cement second place in the group. Only a win will do.
