Benin and Bafana Bafana have announced their starting lineups for this evening’s crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium.
The top-of-the-table clash will have an impact on who might gain an advantage in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup that is set to take place in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Benin has had mixed results in the first five matches after winning two, drawing two and losing one. The Cheetahs recently dropped two points after playing a 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe.
Hugo Broos’ side on the other hand, has had a good run in these qualifiers as they find themselves top of the group with 10 points after five matches having won three, drawing one and losing the other.
These two sides faced each other in November 2023 and South Africa was victorious with a narrow 2-1 scoreline courtesy of Khuliso Mudau and Percy Tau’s strikes while Steve Mounie netted the consolation for the Cheetahs.
There was no Teboho Mokoena in the squad after question marks whether the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was eligible to play vs Lesotho due to a yellow-card suspension.
Here’s how both sides line up:
Benin Starting XI: Dandjinou, Moumini, Roche, Tijani, Ouorou, D’almeida, Imourane, Olaitan, Dodo, Hountondji, Mounie
Subs: Allagbe, Obassa, Kiki, Adilehou, Agounon, Traore, Ahoudo, Attidjikou, Dossou, Ahlinvi, Fiogbe
Bafana Starting XI: Williams, Mudau, Ngezana, Sibisi, Basadien, Aubaas, Mbatha, Morena, Tau, Mofokeng, Foster
Subs: Chaine, Goss, Mobbie, Letlapa, Appollis, Adams, Maphangule, Rayners, Moloisane, Mokwana, Kekana
