World Cup Qualifiers: Key Moments from Rwanda’s Four Matches in Group C

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Rwanda will play its fifth match against Nigeria, aiming to maintain its strong performance and remain at the top of Group C in the quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

So far, Rwanda has played four matches in Group C, winning two, drawing one, and losing one.

The victories came against South Africa and Lesotho, while Rwanda drew with Zimbabwe and suffered a defeat against Benin.

1. Rwanda vs. Zimbabwe

Rwanda’s first match in Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers ended in a goalless draw (0-0) against Zimbabwe. The match took place at Huye Stadium on November 15, 2023.

Zimbabwe had an early chance to score in the 7th minute, but Admiral Muskwe failed to convert. On Rwanda’s side, Byiringiro Lague missed a scoring opportunity in the 20th minute, while Djihad Bizimana attempted a powerful shot a minute later, but it went wide. The first half ended 0-0, with Mugisha Bonheur coming close to scoring from a corner taken by Hakim Sahabo.

In the second half, Rwanda’s coach made several substitutions, but Zimbabwe continued to dominate possession, earning four corner kicks in the first 20 minutes. Rwanda also had two good chances, including a golden opportunity in the 90th minute, but Niyomugabo Claude’s shot went over the bar.

The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with Rwanda shifting focus to their next game against South Africa on November 21, 2023, while Zimbabwe prepared to face Nigeria on November 19, 2023.

Line Up of Rwanda: Ntwari Fiacre, Bizimana Djihad, Omborenga Fitina, Imanishimwe Emmanuel, Mutsinzi Ange, Manzi Thierry, Mugisha Bonheur, Hakim Sahabo, Mugisha Gilbert, Nshuti Innocent, Byiringiro Lague.

Line Up of Zimbabwe: Donovan Fungai, Takwara John Gerald, Hadebe Teenage Lingani, Lunga Divine Xolile, Mbeba Andrew Kabila, Brian Banda Jasper, Marshall Munetsi Nyasha, Marvellous Nakamba, Prince Dube Mpumeleo, Musona Walter Tinotenda, Muskwe Admiral Dalindela.

Rwanda started its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a goalless draw (0-0) against Zimbabwe

2. Rwanda vs. South Africa

In their second Group C match, the Rwandan national team, Amavubi, secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa on November 21, 2023, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This win propelled Rwanda to the top of Group C with four points.

Rwanda’s first goal came in the 11th minute, scored by Nshuti Innocent, who broke past South Africa’s defenders and fired a powerful shot into the net. The second goal followed in the 27th minute when Mugisha Gilbert dribbled through South African players, faced goalkeeper Ronwen Williams one-on-one, and calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Despite creating more chances, Amavubi did not add to their tally. The fans at Huye Stadium celebrated the crucial victory, as it gave Rwanda a strong position in Group C with four points.

Line Up of Rwanda: Ntwari Fiacre, Omborenga Fitina, Imanishimwe Emmanuel, Mutsinzi Ange, Manzi Thierry, Niyonzima Olivier, Muhire Kevin, Bizimana Djihad, Byiringiro Lague, Nshuti Innocent, Mugisha Gilbert.

Line Up of South Africa: Ronwen Hayden Williams, Bongokuhle Mayambela, Mihlali Mayambela, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sphephelo S’miso Sithole, Percy Muzi Tau, Siyanda Xulu, Themba Zwane.

In their second match, Rwanda defeated South Africa 2-0

3. Rwanda vs. Benin

On June 6, 2024, Rwanda suffered a 1-0 defeat against Benin in their third match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The match was played in Côte d’Ivoire, where the only goal of the game was scored in the 37th minute by Dodo Dokou. Benin had dominated possession and created multiple corner-kick opportunities before finding the breakthrough.

In the second half, Rwanda pushed for an equalizer, with coach Torsten Frank Spittler making tactical changes, bringing on Muhire Kevin and Jojea Kwizera. Amavubi created some chances, but Benin’s defenders and goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou remained solid.

The match ended 1-0 in favor of Benin, leaving Rwanda with four points, level with Benin in Group C. However, Rwanda lost the top spot, which was taken by Lesotho, who moved to five points.

Line Up of Rwanda: Ntwari Fiacre, Omborenga Fitina, Imanishimwe Emmanuel, Manzi Thierry, Mutsinzi Ange, Rubanguka Steve, Bizimana Djihad, Rafael York, Hakim Sahabo, Mugisha Gilbert, Nshuti Innocent.

Line Up of Benin: Marcel Dandjinou, Cedric Hountondji, Abdoul Rachid Moumini, David Kiki, Mohamed Tijani, Hassane Imourane, Sessi D’Almeida, Junior Olaitan Ishola, Dokou Dodo, Steve Mounié, Jodel Dossou.

In their third match, Rwanda was defeated by Benin 1-0

4. Rwanda vs. Lesotho

On June 11, 2024, Rwanda's national team, Amavubi, secured a 1-0 victory over Lesotho in their fourth match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This win helped Rwanda reclaim the top spot in Group C with seven points.

The lone goal of the match was scored by Jojea Kwizera in the 45th minute, following a well-placed pass from Fitina Omborenga, after Bizimana Djihad had set up the play.

In the second half, Lesotho pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Rwanda’s defense remained solid, ensuring the match ended 1-0 in favor of Amavubi.

With this victory, Rwanda climbed to the top of Group C with seven points, level with South Africa and Benin but leading due to a goal difference of +2, compared to South Africa’s +1.

Line Up of Rwanda: Ntwari Fiacre, Omborenga Fitina, Mutsinzi Ange, Manzi Thierry, Imanishimwe Emmanuel, Muhire Kevin, Mugisha Bonheur, Bizimana Djihad, Kwizera Jojea, Nshuti Innocent, Mugisha Gilbert.

Line up of Lesotho: Moerane, Malane, Mkwanazi, Makhele, Rasethuntsa, Lebokollane, Lesoaoana, Thaba, Fothoane, Sefali, Motebang.

In their fourth match, Rwanda won 1-0 against Lesotho

Rwanda is currently in first place in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers