Rwanda pulled off a shock 2-0 win over South Africa in their second match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday at Huye Stadium, taking a commanding lead in Group C.
HUYE, November 21, Rwanda capitalised on poor defending to earn a 2-0 win against South Africa, breaking a 31-month win drought in any international competition match.
Amavubi got off to a shaky start, but in the 12th minute, Innocent Nshuti fought off a defender and slotted into the back of the net to break the deadlock. And, 28 minutes after the kickoff, Gilbert Mugisha seized on a Bafana Bafana defensive blunder in the penalty area to double the lead.
Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana sought to speed up the game and create some offensive possibilities in the second half, however Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi stayed solid in front of Fiacre Ntwali to deny the opponent any opportunity to come back into the game.
Hence, a 2-0 triumph at full time sends the Huye stadium into ecstasy, as the Amavubi had never won a recognized FIFA international game at this venue before.
The win also put an end to the long run of winless games as Rwanda’s men’s National football team had not won an official match since March 2021 against Mozambique in the 2022 AFCON Qualifiers (1-0 at Kigali Pelé Stadium)
The victory saw Rwanda move top of the Group C with four points, South Africa is second with three, Nigeria is third with two, Lesotho and Zimbabwe are fourth and fifth with two, and Benin at the bottom of the table with one point.
Torsten Frank Spittler’s team will hold the Group lead until June 2024 when the qualifiers resume. Rwanda’s next assignments will take them to Benin and Lesotho before hosting Nigeria in March 2025, undoubtedly at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium.
Nine African countries will qualify straight for the 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While a tenth team might make it through the playoffs.
Rwanda starting XI: Fiacre Ntwari, Fitina Ombolenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Olivier Niyonzima, Djihad Bizimana, Kevin Muhire, Gilbert Mugisha, Innocent Nshuti and Lague Byiringiro.
Subs: Maxime Wenssens, Gad Muhawenayo, Claude Niyomugabo, Ally Serumogo, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Isaac Mitima, Patrick Sibomana, Hakim Sahabo, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Bonheur Mugisha, Arthur Gitego, and Bienvenue Mugenzi.
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, and Mihlali Mayambela.
Subs: Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Tapelo Xoki, Bradley Cross, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Jayden Adams, Oswin Reagan Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Elias Mokwana, and Zakhele Lepasa.
