World Cup 2026 (Q): Benin crush Lesotho and seize second place in Group C | OneFootball

Decisive victory in Abidjan as the Cheetahs assert their status and boost their global ambitions.

World Cup 2026 (Q) / Benin 4-0 Lesotho / Photo : Fréjus Fiossi

Benin delivered a top-class performance against Lesotho at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Tuesday evening (4-0). The Cheetahs dominated the game from start to finish to strengthen their hold on second place in Group C. Steve Mounié and his teammates put on a show for their supporters.

From the opening minutes of this eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Cheetahs made their intentions clear. Gernot Rohr’s squad put on a collective masterclass against a Lesotho side completely overwhelmed by the occasion.

A perfect start to the match

Steve Mounié set the pace in the 6th minute, opening the scoring for his side. The Cheetahs’ captain, leading the line, immediately capitalized on Benin’s territorial dominance. This early goal freed the home players, allowing them to express their football in ideal conditions.

The confidence regained after their win over Zimbabwe was quickly evident on the pitch. Gernot Rohr’s men racked up the chances, stringing together attacking moves against a Lesotho defense in serious trouble. Andreas Hountondji extended the lead in the 23rd minute, latching onto a perfect assist from Steve Mounié to make it two.

Ten minutes later, Hassane Imourane added a third in the 33rd minute, courtesy of a pinpoint pass from Junior Olaitan. The attacking midfielder showcased his technical vision to perfectly set up his teammate in the box. The Cheetahs headed to the dressing room with a comfortable three-goal cushion.

Second place secured

The second half started in the same vein, with the Cheetahs maintaining their dominance. Junior Olaitan netted his team’s fourth goal in the 67th minute, capping off an impressive all-round display. Lesotho never managed to trouble the Beninese defense, forced to endure their opponents’ supremacy throughout.

This emphatic victory allows Benin to consolidate their grip on second place in Group C, now sitting on 14 points. The Cheetahs leapfrog Nigeria and move into the runner-up spot behind South Africa, who top the group with 17 points after their draw with the Super Eagles.