Warriors’ World Cup nightmare continues after defeat to Rwanda

By Auther Chimbgwa

The Zimbabwe national soccer team’s FIFA 2026 World Cup Group C qualifying campaign reached game number 8 on Tuesday on yet another disastrous note after losing 1-0 to Rwanda at Orlando stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Gilbert Mugisha’s 40th minute strike, which was always curling from Washington Arubi’s goal, was enough to punish the Warriors in a match that was watched by a paltry crowd.

Warriors gaffer Michael Nees did not take chances, as he fielded a hugely experienced side which, however, disappointed although fashioning out some clear-cut chances in the game.

Tawanda Chirewa was at fault deep in the second half when he sliced wide a presentable chance after being fed by Tymon Machope with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The Wasps goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, easily the man of the match of the duel, was forced to push away a fierce shot from outside the box in the 87th minute by Chirewa.

Although Zimbabwe dominated possession, the Rwandese looked tactically superior as their defence stood tall and thwarted several raids by the Warriors.

In the reverse fixture, the two nations played out a goalless stalemate in Rwanda.

It was the Warriors’ second defeat in just four days in the same qualifiers.

On Friday, Zimbabwe succumbed to an identical 1-0 defeat to Benin in Ivory Coast.

The Warriors remain firmly rooted to the foot of the table after only managing four draws and four losses. They were only playing to salvage lost pride, which was not to be.

In South Africa, Nigeria’s quest to qualify for their 7th appearance at the World Cup looked to be in tatters after only managing a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana.

The match had its own share of controversy as Nigeria’s headed goal appeared to come off Fulham’s star Calvin Bassey’s hand before nestling into the back of the net for their equaliser.

The Super Eagles and Rwanda now have 11 points each, together with Benin, who, however, have a game in hand against Lesotho. The game had been set for 9pm on Tuesday.

Benin have fate in their hands, and only need to win all their remaining matches, to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for a play off at least, or to top the group for the sole spot for qualification in Group C in the event of an unlikely Bafana Bafana collapse in their last two games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, set to be played in South Africa.

Bafana Bafana top the group on 17 points.

However, there is a likelihood that three points may be docked from them for fielding Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho, who was ineligible for that match.

South Africa, though, need to win both their remaining matches to rest assured of a place at the World Cup.