Jojea Kwizera’s solitary strike before halftime secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Rwanda over Lesotho in a tightly contested World Cup qualifier match played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa on Tuesday June 11.
Coach Torsten Frank Spittler shuffled his lineup with three changes, bringing in Mugisha Bonheur, Kevin Muhire, and Kwizera Jojea for Steve Rubangula, Rafael York, and Hakim Sahab respectively.
Rwanda dominated possession in the opening stages but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances. Lesotho threatened on the counter in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a Rwandan turnover, but their initial effort went wide.
Against the run of play, the deadlock was shattered in the 8th minute. Jane Thabantso pressured Bonheur Mugisha, winning the ball, but his shot sailed off target, much to the relief of the Rwandan bench.
However. Just moments later, Djihad Bizimana was cynically brought down by Motebang, who earned a yellow card and conceded a free kick for Rwanda.
The free kick proved pivotal. Djihad’s delivery found Omborenga, who in turn played a clever pass to Kwizera Jojea, who coolly slotted the ball home on the stroke of halftime.
Spittler introduced Samuel Guelette in the 60th minute for the goal scorer Kwizera, looking to solidify the lead. Rwanda held firm defensively and secured a vital three points.
This win propels Rwanda back to the top of Group C with seven points, level with South Africa. Benin remains in contention, also on seven points but with an inferior goal difference.
Rwanda’s next challenge in the World Cup qualifiers will be a home fixture against Nigeria at the Amahoro Stadium on March 17, 2025.
