Benin claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Thursday, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive and ending the Amavubi’s campaign in Group C.
The tense encounter at the Amahoro Stadium looked destined for a stalemate after both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in a scrappy, physical contest. Rwanda showed early promise, testing the Benin backline with half-chances through Claude Niyomugabo and Dijhad Bizimana, but lacked precision in the final third.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr made a decisive change at halftime, introducing forward Aiyegun Tosin for Jodel Dossou. The move eventually paid off in the 81st minute when Tosin capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Rwanda’s backline and goalkeeper to slot home the winner, following Romaric Amoussou’s pass.
Rwanda pushed hard for an equaliser, making attacking substitutions in the final minutes, but Benin’s defence, marshalled by Washington Agbo, held firm. The closing stages saw the visitors slow down play with tactical substitutions, while the hosts’ late rally came up short.
The result secures Benin’s position at the top of Group C with one matchday remaining, while Rwanda’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup came to an end.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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