Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. ZIMBABWE………. (0)0
RWANDA…………. (1)1
THE Zimbabwe Warriors’ struggles on the field continued yesterday at Orlando Stadium, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The loss marks their second in four days and extends a dismal campaign that has seen them rooted to the bottom of Group C.
Rwanda’s victory came courtesy of a spectacular strike from winger Gilbert Mugisha, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box late in the first half.
The goal secured three crucial points for the visitors, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Rwanda now sit in third place with 11 points from eight matches.
For the Warriors, the defeat adds another painful chapter to a campaign riddled with disappointments.
With just four points from eight matches — including four draws and four losses — they remain at the bottom of the standings.
This recent loss to Rwanda follows defeats to South Africa, Lesotho and Benin.
Zimbabwe will face South Africa and Lesotho in their final two matches.
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees expressed his frustration with the result, but praised his team’s effort.
“We were, of course, disappointed because we wanted to turn this little bit of a result crisis around,” he said.
“We had a much louder support, and we really wanted to give them a win, and we didn’t get it.”
Nees highlighted the team’s inability to capitalise on their chances.
“With the result we are not happy, with the performance, with the effort, I can be happy,” he said.
“In our game, maybe, we must find a way to put the ball in the net, or more often in the net. And that definitely was lacking today.”
The Warriors dominated the second half, creating numerous chances and corners, but were thwarted by a packed Rwandan defence and a stellar performance from their goalkeeper.
Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche acknowledged the challenge of playing against Zimbabwe and their talented players, particularly veteran midfielder Knowledge Musona.
“It’s hard to play against Zimbabwe, and I know the quality of these players from a long time ago,” he said.
“When I saw Knowledge Musona on the field, I could not sleep because I know that man can make things happen any time.”
Amrouche was pleased that his team’s strategy paid off, joking: “I can say now, because we won, that my plan was good.”
The first significant chance of the match fell to Mugisha, who created space for a shot early on.
A free kick from Jordan Zemura, following a foul on Musona, sailed just over the bar, signalling Zimbabwe’s attacking intent.
However, it was Rwanda who broke the deadlock with six minutes left in the first half.
Mugisha’s thunderous strike gave goalkeeper Washington Arubi no chance.
In the second half, the Warriors made a double substitution, bringing on Tymon Machope and Bill Antonio, who immediately injected pace into the attack.
Machope nearly scored with a free kick that flew just over the bar.
Zimbabwe’s best chance came in the 73rd minute when Machope squared the ball to a charging Tawanda Chirewa, but the midfielder failed to convert with only the keeper to beat.
With four minutes remaining, Rwanda’s goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari produced a phenomenal save, diving to deny a curling shot from Chirewa that was destined for the top corner.
Despite sustained pressure, the Warriors could not find an equaliser, and the visitors held on for a hard-fought victory.
Teams
Zimbabwe: W Arubi, E Jalai (W Musona, 85’), J Zemura, M Garananga, M Munetsi, P Padera (B Antonio, 46’), G Takwara, K Musona, T Chirewa, T Ngwenya (T Dzvukamanja, 66’), T Maswanhise (T Machope, 46’)
Rwanda: F Ntwari, C Niyomigabo, T Manzi, P Kavita, D Bizamana (B Ngwabije, 79’), B Mugisha, K Muhire, A Biramahire, G Mugisha (D Nkulikiyimana, 90’), J Kwizera (A Ishimwe, 79’)
For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe Follow Africa-Press
