Photo Credit - Zimbabwe Football Association.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr believes Zimbabwe will not easily succumb to Nigeria when the two sides face off in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
While the Warriors snatched a 2-2 draw against Rohr’s side, the Super Eagles registered their first win of the campaign - a 2-0 win against Rwanda at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
According to Rohr, who previously coached the Super Eagles, the former African champions should anticipate a different ball game from the Warriors, who he described as fighters.
“We knew that it was the last chance for Zimbabwe to qualify for the World Cup. Now, with three points it is finished,” Rohr told reporters as quoted by soccer24.co.zw. “But they are fighting very well and I know with this coach and his staff, they will do the same in Uyo and the same against Rwanda and Lesotho.”
On their 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe, Rohr said: “It’s a good draw because we faced a quality team, supported by a very strong crowd. It was a real away game. This team has a lot of quality and will win matches in these qualifiers.
“It was a very intense match, with lots of duels. We made a good start to the match, scoring two goals. We were well positioned. Unfortunately, Moumini’s injury destabilized our defense somewhat. This goal conceded before half-time gave confidence to our opponents, who have a high-level midfield, with players playing in England.”
Zimbabwe, who are still winless, will face Nigeria in their next match on Tuesday, the same day Benin will confront South Africa, who defeated Lesotho 2-0 to top the group.
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