'Destiny in our hands' - Burnley loanee says Benin must beat Rwanda before showdown with Nigeria

Burnley loanee Andreas Hountondji has emphasized the importance of Benin's matchday nine 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, insisting that a win is important to boost their historic qualification hopes.

The qualifiers have already thrown up a dramatic twist after an administrative blunder saw South Africa, previously topping the group, drop to second place, level on 14 points with Benin. 

Nigeria, Benin's final opponents, sit in third with 11 points, having drawn five matches, the most of any African team in the qualifiers.

The Super Eagles suffered their only defeat in the campaign to the Cheetahs in June 2024, despite taking the lead through Raphael Onyedika, only to concede twice before halftime.

Aware of the stakes, Hountondji has called for focus ahead of the clash with Rwanda. 

"Our next match, against Rwanda, is going to be pivotal. If we manage to pick up the three points, we'll be very handily placed ahead of our final game, against Nigeria," he told fifa.com.

South Africa's points deduction by Fifa, following a breach of Article 19 of the Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifying Regulations, further complicates the group standings. 

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena was deemed ineligible for the March 21 match against Lesotho due to accumulated yellow cards, resulting in a three-point deduction and a fine for the Cheetahs.

"I saw the announcement, and I think we'd be mad not to see this as a real opportunity. 

"We have two matches to go, and if we win them both, there's a good chance we'll qualify directly. 

"Our destiny is in our own hands, so we have to believe in our chances," Hountondji added.

Benin will face neighbors Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, October 14 in what promises to be a decisive showdown.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: febefoot.org

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