Rwanda hands Nigeria lifeline, beats South Africa 2-0

Nigeria, yesterday, received a lifeline from Rwanda in their quest to return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

The Super Eagles looked doomed after two 1-1 draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe last week, as a win in Butare would have given South Africa a four-point lead over Nigeria in Group C of the African qualifying series for the Mundial. But thanks to Rwanda’s 2-0 win yesterday, the gap is just one point with Nigeria hosting South Africa and Benin Republic in June next year.

South Africa had beaten Benin Republic 2-1 in their opening game on Saturday and was tipped for another victory over a Rwandan side that had not won a home game in over two years.

But playing at the Stade Huye, where Zimbabwe held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw on Sunday, the Rwandans, who were on a six-game winless streak across all competitions, caused a monumental upset, with two
two well-deserved first-half goals giving them a famous win.

The result ended South Africa’s 11-match winning streak and was only their second loss in their last 18 games across all competitions.

While the South Africans are currently ranked 64th in the world, according to the latest FIFA World Rankings, Rwanda is in 140th place.

Rwanda’s winning goals came in the space of 16 minutes through Innocent Nshuti and Gilbert Mugisha.

In the Group’s other game, Lesotho and Benin Republic played out a goalless draw.

With yesterday’s result, Rwanda lead Group C with four points, second placed South Africa has three, while Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe are on two points apiece, with Benin Republic on one point.

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