2026 World Cup qualifiers: Benin overpower Lesotho to revive hopes

Benin delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Lesotho in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, overcoming a lengthy power outage to produce one of their most convincing performances of the campaign.

The match in Cotonou was delayed for nearly two hours when floodlights failed, but once play resumed, the Cheetahs wasted no time in asserting control.

Just six minutes in, Steve Mounié struck decisively after a defensive lapse from Lesotho, firing home to give Gernot Rohr’s side the perfect start.

Mounié’s influence grew as the half progressed.

In the 23rd minute, the Augsburg forward turned provider, delivering a deft backheel to Andréas Hountondji, who capitalised on another defensive error to double the advantage.

With Lesotho struggling to cope, Benin tightened their grip further.

Hassane Imourane added the third goal shortly after the half-hour mark, punishing yet more slack defending to slot past the goalkeeper.

The 3-0 lead at the break left the contest beyond doubt and underscored Benin’s technical superiority and tactical organisation.

The second half brought more composure from Rohr’s side, who managed the tempo before applying the finishing touch.

In the 67th minute, Junior Olaïtan latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Mounié to make it 4-0, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

The result propels Benin back into second place in Group C with 14 points, three behind leaders South Africa.

Nigeria and Rwanda remain in the chasing pack, but Rohr’s side have reasserted themselves as serious contenders for a historic qualification.

For Rohr, the evening offered encouragement beyond the scoreline.

His team displayed cohesion, efficiency and resilience, refusing to be unsettled by the earlier disruption.

The crisp attacking play and relentless pressing were a marked improvement on previous outings, and the performance was warmly received by fans who had grown frustrated with recent inconsistency.

Matches like this are about mentality as much as quality, Rohr reflected afterwards. The players kept their focus despite the interruption, and they showed great determination from the first whistle.

While the road to the World Cup remains long, this emphatic display has reignited belief within the Beninese camp.

With two rounds of fixtures still to play, every point will prove vital, but if Rohr’s side can replicate the intensity and precision shown against Lesotho, their dream of reaching the global stage remains firmly alive.