Zimbabwe came back from two goals down and claimed a 2-2 draw against Benin in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday.
Stellar names for the Warriors saw Marshall Munetsi, Knowledge Musonda, Khama Billiat, Divine Lunga and Prince Dube headline the eleven, whereas veteran Steve Mounie was the go-to figure for the visitors.
Mounie hit the opener moments after kick-off where he latched onto a goalkeeping howler from Washington Arubi to find the net.
Egypt-based Dokou Dodo made it two a little later with a composed finish from a one-two, but Munetsi soon halved the cushion after firing in from the six-yard box.
Parity was restored in the second half when former Kaizer Chiefs striker Musonda made a run in the wide spaces and slammed in first-time.
The point was enough to see Benin go top of Group C, one point ahead Rwanda and South Africa, who are both in action on Friday.
Mozambique 3-1 Uganda
Mozambique strengthened their qualification pursuit in fine style with a 3-1 victory over Uganda and cemented top spot in Group G.
The Cranes trailed early as the third minute through Pepo, but were back on level terms four minutes later as Muhammad Shaban applied a well-taken finish from a clever angle.
The Mambas restored parity eight minutes later courtesy of another calmly taken effort from Pepo, who in-turn went on to complete his brace in the first half.
Drama unfolded a little before the close of the first half when Denis Omedi earned his marching orders for unsavoury play amongst other elements.
Uganda's woes were compounded on the brink of halftime as Stanley Ratifo put the host further ahead and consequently on their way to victory out in Cairo.
Malawi 0-1 Namibia
Namibia maintained their qualification hopes and recorded a 1-0 victory over Malawi in Group H at the Bingu National Stadium.
Mamelodi Sundowns star striker Peter Shalulile and Orlando Pirates counterpart Deon Hotto, led the line for the Brave Warriors, with Gabadinho Mhango up top for the Flames.
It took a while for the contest to get going, but the Brave Warriors got the decisive effort through Cape Town City's Prins Tijueza from Shalulile's delivery.
No response were presented by the Flames, leaving their Southern African neighbours to victory and second spot in the group.
Cape Verde 1-0 Mauritius
Cape Verde left it late to record a 1-0 win over Mauritius in an Icelandic derby and moved to the top of Group D.
With the clash headed to a draw, the home team got the winner when Yannick Semedo after pouncing onto an assist from Ryan Mendes.