PHOTOS: WC 2026 Qualifiers: Kwizera’s strike sinks Lesotho as Rwanda retain top spot

Tuesday, June 11 Lesotho 0-1 Rwanda Attacking midfielder Jojea Kwizera was the hero of the day as his superb strike on the stroke of half time helped Rwanda beat Lesotho 1-0 in match day 4 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Tuesday, June 11. The victory propelled Rwanda back to the top of Group C with 7 points, level with South Africa and Benin who come second and third respectively with an inferior goal difference. It was Kwizera's second game for Rwanda having made his debut against Benin on June 6. He made his presence felt with a fine strike against Lesotho which he will savor for the rest of his career. Rwanda had the first chance in the third minute as Gilbert Mugisha raced down the left flank, he cut inside but saw his effort flying over the cross bar. Amavubi were a delight to watch with their fantastic midfield partnership of skipper Djihad Bizimana and Kevin Muhire. Against the run of play, Lesotho nearly snatched the lead in the eighth minute following a poor first touch from Bonheur Mugisha. Jane Thabantso stole ball from him but his final delivery went off target to the relief of the Rwandan bench. Thabantso had the ball at the back of the net moments later but the assistant referee had already raised his flag for offside. Rwanda had Bizimana to thank in the 20th minute as he run back to deliberately foul Fothoane outside the box after he had stolen the ball from Thierry Manzi. The Kryvbas midfielder was booked with a yellow card for his foul. Rwanda had two chances in the 32nd and 35th minute but both strikes from Innocent Nshuti and Kevin Muhire missed target. Rwanda kept piling pressure on Lesotho and finally got the lead in the 44th minute through Jojea Kwizera who connected beautifully from an Omborenga Fitina’s right wing cross. The first half ended with Rwanda leading 1-0, a reward of their dominant performance in the first 45 minutes of action. After recess, Rwanda continued their dominance as Lesotho tried to sit back and hit on the counter attacks. Gilbert Mugisha proved to be a tough customer for Lesotho defenders as they could not match his pace and artistry. More of Rwanda's play was in midfield as they switched to the flanks as soon as they got space. Rwanda coach Frank Spittler brought on Samuel Guelette for goalscorer Kwizera in the 62nd minute as the Raal Louviere midfielder operated from the right flank. Nshuti had the chance to double Rwanda’s lead in the 70th minute following a buildup involving Bizimana but his effort went off target. Unlike the first half, Bonheur Mugisha exerted his influence in the game as he went in for the 50-50 balls and was able to serve as the destroyer of Lesotho’s midfield. He was able to bring stability as Amavubi controlled the game. Imanishimwe went on a fine run on the left flank and played a beautiful one-two with Nshuti in the 80th minute but his effort missed the post by inches. Lesotho players were very physical as they went about kicking the Rwandan players. Imanishimwe made way for Claude Niyomugabo in the 85th minute after suffering what appeared to be a knock while Arthur Gitego also came in for Nshuti in the 89th minute. Rwanda held on in the four minutes of additional time as they run away with a 1-0 scoreline. Following the win, Amavubi are top of Group C with 7 points plus two goals and will be aiming to maintain the momentum when the qualifiers resume in March 2025.

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PHOTOS: WC 2026 Qualifiers: Kwizera’s strike sinks Lesotho as Rwanda retain top spot