Rwanda delivered one of the most surprising results in the Africa qualifying series for the 2026 World Cup by defeating South Africa 2-0 on Tuesday.
With Nigeria securing two points from their initial two Group C qualifying games, concerns about a potential second consecutive World Cup absence loomed.
However, goals from Innocent Nshuti and Gilbert Mugisha secured all three points for the Amavubi Stars at the Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda.
This victory prevented South Africa from amassing six points from two games, which would have placed them firmly in control of the group. Rwanda now tops the group with four points, with Bafana Bafana in second with three points, and Nigeria in third with two points.
Lesotho and Zimbabwe share the third position with the same point total as Nigeria but have scored fewer goals. Benin Republic is in last place with one point.
Following two matches, the next round of games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is scheduled for June 2024. Nigeria will host South Africa in a pivotal encounter, aiming to rekindle their aspirations of participating in the global competition after missing out in the 2022 edition.
Before that, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to take place early next year in Cote d’Ivoire.