Benin vs Bafana Bafana – South Africa will aim to strengthen their grip on top spot in Group C when they take on Benin in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan on 25 March 2025. Both teams are highly competitive in the group, with strong aspirations of advancing to the next round.
Benin vs Bafana Bafana Kick-off Details
- Game: Benin vs South Africa
- Date: 25 March 2025
- Kick-off Time: 18:00 SA Time
- Venue: Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan
How to Watch
- Online Streaming: DStv Now, SuperSport TV’s PSL Channel 202/ SABC 3
Team News
Benin: Coach Gernot Rohr has no suspensions heading into this match. Key players like captain Steve Mounie, Mohamed Tijani, and Dodo Dokou will play pivotal roles. Dokou impressed in the 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe, contributing a goal and an assist.
Benin Predicted Line-up: Dandjinou, Kiki, Roche, Tijani, Ouorou, D’Almeida, Hassane, Olaitan, Dokou, Mounie, Hountondji
South Africa:
While Bafana Bafana will miss the services of playmaker Themba Zwane, the in-form Relebohile Mofokeng is ready to step up. The team also faces a blow with the long-term injury of centre-back Mothobi Mvala, but they have adequate replacements in Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Grant Kekana.
South Africa Predicted Line-up: Williams, Mudau, Basadien, Ngezana, Sibisi, Mokoena, Adams, Mofokeng, Mokwana, Morena, Foster
Also read: Hugo Broos and Bafana Bafana: A Step Closer to World Cup Glory?
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
Benin are currently second in Group C, just two points behind South Africa. They have been solid so far, with two wins and two draws in the qualifiers, though they were held to a 2-2 draw by Zimbabwe in their last outing after a two-goal lead. The Cheetahs have only one loss in this campaign—a 2-1 defeat to Bafana Bafana in Durban in 2023.
On the other hand, South Africa is unbeaten in 16 competitive games across all competitions, with their sole loss in this campaign coming against Rwanda in the early stages of the qualifiers.
Recent Head-to-Head:
- November 18, 2023: South Africa 2-1 Benin (World Cup Qualifiers)
Betting Tips & Predictions
Here’s a look at the predicted outcome and betting tips for the match:
| Bet | Prediction | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Match Winner | South Africa to win | 2.50 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 goals | 1.90 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 2.10 |
| First Goalscorer | Bafana’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane | 4.00 |
| Correct Score | 1-0 to South Africa | 7.00 |
Benin vs Bafana Bafana Prediction Breakdown:
Bafana Bafana come into the match in excellent form and are slight favourites to take all three points. Benin will be tough opponents, but South Africa’s solid defence and midfield dominance could see them edge this one out. A close contest is expected, with a predicted scoreline of 1-0 in favour of the visitors.
Also read: Bafana Bafana’s Injury Woes – Who Replaced Patrick Maswanganyi?
As both teams aim to solidify their positions in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, this clash promises to be a tightly contested affair. South Africa, led by a resilient squad, will be favourites to extend their unbeaten streak, but Benin, with home advantage and key players in form, will be no pushovers. It’s set to be a thrilling encounter at Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny.
