Rwanda assumed the driver’s seat in Group C of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week, following their 1-0 win against Lesotho at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night.
It was an even affair during the first 10 minutes at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, however, it was Lesotho who edged their opposite number to the ball possession count.
Amavubi grew into the game after the 20th minute mark and gathered steam in their attacking movements. However, Rwanda were met with aggressive defending by the Lesotho backline.
The score remained at 0-0 en-route to the half-hour mark while Lesotho were awarded a couple of set-plays inside the Rwanda half. Not holding back, Rwanda often found themselves probing inside the Lesotho quarters but with very little success.
Rwanda took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Jodea Kwizera got his name on the scoresheet. Following a clever bit of interplay on the right-hand side of the box, right back Fitina Omborenga picked out the Kwizera with a squared pass onto the edge of the six-yard area, who guided the ball home with a calm left-footed finish.
Amavubi looked dangerous in the wide areas of the pitch and remained on the attack 10 minutes after the restart. Lesotho on the other hand, found themselves congesting their box in attempts to ward off Rwanda’s attacks.
Lesotho were in desperate need of energy as the 75th minute approached as their toothless attacks caused no harm to the Rwanda defence.
The game fizzled out as the 90th minute made its way at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with neither side able to convert their goal scoring opportunities.
Nevertheless, Kwizera’s effort proved to be enough for Amavubi to bag maximum points on the night and moved to the top of Group C in the process. Lesotho on the other hand occupy 4th spot after four matches played.
Lesotho: Moerane, Mkhwanazi, Rasethuntsa, Malane, Lebokollane, Makhele, Thabantso, Fothoane (Bereng 70’), Sefali (Khutlang 46’), Sera (Letsema 63’), Lesaona (Phatsisi 46’)
Rwanda: Ntwari, Omborenga, Manzi, Mutsinzi, Imanishimwe (Niyomugabo 85’), Bizimana, Muhure, G.Mugisha, B.Mugisha, Nshuti (Gitego 89’), Kwizera (Gueulette 60’)
