World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers: Group C

Wednesday, June 6

Benin vs Rwanda (Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan)

Kickoff: 9PM CAT

Amavubi captain Djihad Bizimana has confidently aimed dig at a Beninese journalist who said that Rwanda is not a football nation.

Rwanda on Thursday night visit Benin in their third Group C 2026 World Cup qualifier at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

ALSO READ: Rwanda aim for unbeaten run ahead of Benin test

During a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, June5, a Beninese journalist called Modeste asked Bizimana what makes him confident that Rwanda can beat Benin considering that the visitors are not a football nation in Africa.

But Bizimana confidently replied, "Like you said, Rwanda is not a football country, but I think Benin is not a football country either. So, it’s going to be a 50/50 game.”

Benin are hosting the World Cup qualifiers in Abidjan after their home ground, Stade de l'Amitie, was banned by the African football governing body for not meeting FIFA standards.

Playing at a neutral ground was a major boost Frank Spittler’s men including Bizimana who plays his club football at Ukrainian Premier League side Kryvbas. The team has already qualified for the Europa League next season.

Rwanda has had a strong start to the qualifying campaign, leading Group C with four points after drawing with Zimbabwe and defeating South Africa 2-0. In contrast, Benin is at the bottom of the group standings with a single point, following a loss to South Africa and a draw with Lesotho.

However, a loss would not only see them lose the top spot to their rivals but it would also extend their winless streak against Benin to five games, having lost once and drawn three times in their past four meetings.

Tags

2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Amavubi

Benin