Rwanda produced one of the early shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers after defeating South Africa 2–0 on a rain-soaked evening at the Huye Stadium on Tuesday. The result ended Amavubi’s 31-month winless streak and sent them to the summit of Group C.
Despite a cautious start, Rwanda capitalised on South Africa’s defensive lapses to seize control of the match. Innocent Nshuti opened the scoring in the 12th minute after muscling past his marker to fire past Ronwen Williams. The hosts doubled their lead midway through the first half when Gilbert Mugisha punished another defensive error, slotting home from close range to make it 2–0.
South Africa, buoyed by their opening-day victory over Benin, struggled to find rhythm on the wet artificial pitch. Hugo Broos’s men pushed forward after the break, with Percy Tau and Themba Zwane trying to unlock the disciplined Rwandan defence, but centre-backs Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi held firm in front of goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali.
The result marked Rwanda’s first competitive victory since March 2021, when they beat Mozambique in an AFCON qualifier. It also represented their first-ever FIFA-recognised win at Huye Stadium.
With the triumph, Torsten Frank Spittler’s side moved to four points from two matches — one ahead of South Africa. Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe follow closely with two points each, while Benin sit bottom with one.
Rwanda will resume their campaign in June 2024 with away fixtures against Benin and Lesotho before hosting Nigeria in March 2025, likely at the renovated Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
Starting lineups:
Rwanda: Fiacre Ntwari; Fitina Ombolenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe; Olivier Niyonzima, Djihad Bizimana, Kevin Muhire; Gilbert Mugisha, Innocent Nshuti, Lague Byiringiro.
Subs: Maxime Wenssens, Gad Muhawenayo, Claude Niyomugabo, Ally Serumogo, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Isaac Mitima, Patrick Sibomana, Hakim Sahabo, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Bonheur Mugisha, Arthur Gitego, Bienvenue Mugenzi.
South Africa: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Siyanda Xulu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba; Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau; Mihlali Mayambela.
Subs: Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Tapelo Xoki, Bradley Cross, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Jayden Adams, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Elias Mokwana, Zakhele Lepasa.