World Cup (Q): Benin snatch crucial late winner at Rwanda

Tosin Aiyegun’s massive 80th minute strike gave Benin a crucial 1-0 World Cup qualifying Group C victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday.

The halftime substitute tapped into an empty net after a goal kick was flicked into the path of fellow substitute Romaric Amoussou, who slipped the ball over to Aiyegun for an easy finish into the unguarded goal.

The Rwanda faithful were silenced after a tight match with much tension. The first half passed with hardly any opportunities before the hosts, needing a victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive, began to show more ambition. However, Rwanda are now eliminated following the defeat.

After it appeared that the match was heading for a scoreless draw, a simple play led to Rwanda’s downfall. Benin striker Steve Mounié leaped to head on a goal kick and send Amoussou behind and as Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari charged out, Amoussou unselfishly tapped over to Aiyegun for a goal that could be historic.

Benin now need to get a result in Nigeria on the final matchday on Tuesday. A victory will secure qualification while a draw or defeat will force the Cheetahs to wait and see what happens between South Africa and Rwanda.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group C Table

1. Benin- 17 points (GD: +5)
2. South Africa- 15 points (GD: +3)
3. Nigeria- 14 points (GD: +3)
4. Rwanda- 11 points
5. Lesotho- 9 points
6. Zimbabwe- 5 points

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