2026 World Cup qualifiers: Group C leaders Benin beat Rwanda 1-0 to make it three consecutive wins

Benin showed impressive fighting spirit on Friday, beating Rwanda 1-0 to make it three consecutive wins in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The impressive run keeps Benin top of Group C of the African qualifiers with 17 points, two more than South Africa in second place, and three more than Nigeria in third.

Aiyegun Tosin was the hero for Benin, netting the decisive goal that sealed another crucial three points for Gernot Rohr’s side. The win puts Steve Mounié and his teammates within touching distance of a place at next year’s global showpiece.

3 wins on the bounce. ✅
3 cleansheets to show for. ✅
Top of Group C. ✅

One win away from securing a first ever #FIFAWorldCup spot. Benin have every single right to dream. 👏🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/BiONNff1u6

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 10, 2025

Elsewhere in the group, Nigeria kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Lesotho. Captain William Troost-Ekong scored from the spot before debutant Akor Adams added a second for the Super Eagles.

Their fate now hinges on a must-win clash against leaders Benin on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, while Tunisia, already qualified, cruised past São Tomé and Príncipe with a 6-0 victory.

Ismaël Gharbi got on the scoresheet for the Carthage Eagles, and Elias Saad bagged a brace in the emphatic win.