Benin began their World Cup qualification campaign with a valuable 1-0 away victory over Rwanda on October 11, 2025. The Squirrels secured a hard-earned three points in Kigali, showcasing tactical discipline to overcome the hosts in a closely fought Group-stage match. The decisive goal came in the second half, likely against the run of play, as Benin capitalized on a defensive error or a well-executed counter-attack. Rwanda dominated possession for large periods but struggled to break down a resolute Beninese defense, which held firm under pressure. The standout performance came from Benin's goalkeeper and back line, who repelled numerous Rwandan attacks to preserve the clean sheet and the win. This away win is a perfect start for Benin, putting them in an excellent early position in the group standings, while Rwanda's home defeat is a significant setback. The Benin manager would have hailed his team's defensive organization and winning mentality on the road. Benin's starting lineup executed a perfect game plan, making the most of their limited chances to secure a match result that could be pivotal for their qualification hopes.