Benin secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Zimbabwe in their FIFA World Cup qualification Group C encounter on 5 September 2025, though the match lacked clear-cut opportunities from either side. The hosts dominated the underlying metrics, generating 0.52 xG despite an unusually low shot count, while Zimbabwe failed to register meaningful attacking threat with no recorded shots. Both teams deployed a 4–3–3 formation, suggesting a balanced midfield battle that neither side could decisively win. Benin's goalkeeper conceded just 1.0 xG against, indicating Zimbabwe posed minimal danger in open play. The absence of named goalscorers in the data suggests a set-piece or fortuitous finish decided proceedings. This victory moves Benin closer to qualification and leaves Zimbabwe requiring an immediate response in their next fixture.