Prediction Benin vs Zimbabwe 2026 – Betting Tips for the CAF World Cup Qualifiers on 05/09/2025

Context and recent form

Benin welcome Zimbabwe in what shapes up to be a pivotal Group Stage clash in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers on 05/09/2025. The home side arrives with mixed results from the last months: a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco and a 0-2 loss to South Africa bookend a run that also includes draws against Zimbabwe and Nigeria and a goalless stalemate in Libya. Their form strip suggests inconsistency—three wins, three draws and four defeats in the most recent sample—but there are signs of attacking intent. Benin’s underlying numbers show a healthy volume of shots and a respectable conversion rate, and they’ve managed a couple of clean sheets recently despite conceding at times.

Zimbabwe, by contrast, come into this tie with a slightly steadier sequence of outcomes: two wins, five draws and three defeats in their latest ten. Recent results include a 3-1 victory over Mozambique and a 1-1 friendly draw with Niger; however they also suffered back-to-back defeats to South Africa and Burkina Faso in June. That pattern indicates a team capable of grinding out results but also vulnerable against higher-calibre opponents. Their away recent history includes a 2-2 draw with Benin earlier in 2025, a reminder this contest could be tight and competitive.

Tactical pointers and match-up

Statistically Benin bring more volume to the final third — 50 total shots and 19 on target in the sample compared to Zimbabwe’s 33 attempts and 18 on target. Benin’s shots average (8.33 per match) and higher shots-on-target tally suggest they are the more proactive side, especially at home. Zimbabwe are not shy either; their corners average and dangerous attacks figures are competitive, but they have fewer clean sheets (one recorded) and a higher goals-conceded tally when away. The head-to-head history ticks in favour of entertaining football: their last meeting ended 2-2, implying both sides have the capacity to find the net.

Bookmakers give Benin a clear edge. The market prices list the hosts at 1.77 (about 56.5% implied probability), a draw at 3.50 and Zimbabwe as outsiders at 4.50. That market confidence aligns with Benin’s attacking metrics and home advantage, while Zimbabwe’s resilience and recent draws keep the tie within reach.

Betting suggestion

Back Benin to win (1) in the 1X2 market. The home side combine higher shot volume, better finishing indicators and a supportive market price (1.77) that reflects their likelihood to take three points here. Consider a modest stake given Zimbabwe’s ability to scrape results and the pair’s recent 2-2 meeting, but the value edge is with Benin to get the home win.