WCQ: Hope for Eagles as Rwanda’s Amavubi stun South Africa’s Bafana
Hope seemed to appear for Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2026 FIFA Word Cup qualifiers after a surprise result that saw Rwanda’s Amavubi recorded a 2-0 win over South Africa’s Bafana at the Huye Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Taking to a water-logged pitch at the Huye Stadium, both sides struggled to get into a passing rhythm because of the ball constantly sticking to the Astro turf. The wet conditions appeared to have levelled the playing field with numerous 50/50 battles breaking out in the middle of the park.
However, it was Rwanda who broke the deadlock as Innocent Nshuti got his name on the scoresheet in the 12th minute. In a swift transition move, Nshuti latched onto a lobbed ball played into the South Africa half before unleashing a shot on the half-volley that left Ronwen Williams rooted to the spot.
Bafana Bafana struggled under the long ball as Rwanda managed to adapt to the awkward conditions around the 20th minute mark. The home side continued to look dangerous when going forward and often took the game to the visitors.
Amavubi then doubled their advantage shortly before the half-hour mark as Gilbert Mugeshi joined Nshuti on the scoreboard with a wonderful individual effort. In taking on Khuliso Mudau on the left-wing, the attacker glided beyond the defender before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.
While South Africa struggled to provide an answer to Rwanda’s two-goal advantage, Amavubi managed to see out the half with ease.
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Bafana looked a better side after the restart and began stroking the ball around in an attempt to take charge of the fixture. However, Rwanda held their own during this period and did well to keep South Africa at arm’s length.
As the pitched dried up in Butare, South Africa bossed the possession count after the hour mark but struggled to manufacture notable goalscoring opportunities. Themba Zwane came close to opening South Africa’s account during this period but we was ultimately let down by wayward finishing.
The traveling side piled on the pressure toward the end of the tie as the likes of Percy Tau and Mihlali Mayambela pressed high up the pitch. Nonetheless, it was not to be for Bafana, as Amavubi recorded a clinical 2-0 win at the Huye Stadium.
The result means South Africa did not pick up six points from two games which could have them firmly in control of the group.
However, the victory for Rwanda puts them top of the lot with four points. Bafana Bafana are second with three points while Nigeria are third with two points.
Lesotho and Zimbabwe occupy third place with the same points as Nigeria but have scored fewer goals. Benin Republic is last with one point.
After two matches, the next round of games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will take place in June 2024. Nigeria will welcome South Africa in a crucial encounter, hoping to revive their dreams of making the global competition after missing out in the 2022 edition.