Benin put on a dazzling display as they overwhelmed Lesotho 4-0 at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Tuesday evening.
From the first whistle, the Cheetahs showed their dominance, reinforcing their position as runners-up in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Steve Mounié and his teammates thrilled supporters with an attacking masterclass that left Lesotho completely outmatched.
A Lightning-Fast Start
The Cheetahs wasted no time making their mark. In the 6th minute, captain Steve Mounié broke the deadlock, taking advantage of Benin’s early control of the game.
The goal set the tone, allowing the home side to play with freedom and confidence.
Buoyed by their recent victory over Zimbabwe, Benin maintained relentless pressure, stringing together intricate attacks.
In the 23rd minute, Andreas Hountondji doubled the lead with a clinical finish, following a precise assist from Mounié.
Just ten minutes later, Hassane Imourane made it 3-0, finishing a perfectly orchestrated pass from Junior Olaitan. By halftime, Benin had established a commanding lead, leaving Lesotho scrambling to respond.
Dominance Continues in Second Half
Benin carried their momentum into the second half. Junior Olaitan added a fourth in the 67th minute, capping an impressive attacking performance.
Lesotho struggled to create any meaningful chances, unable to penetrate the Cheetahs’ organized defense.
The win boosts Benin to 14 points in Group C, leapfrogging Nigeria to secure second place behind South Africa, who lead the group with 17 points following their draw with the Super Eagles.