2026WCQ: Lesotho Dares Super Eagles, Go Top After 2-0 Win Against Zimbabwe

2026WCQ: Lesotho Dares Super Eagles, Go Top After 2-0 Win Against Zimbabwe

Ibrahim Lateef

149th-ranked Lesotho achieved a remarkable 2-0 victory over the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe, placing them at the top of Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This puts them ahead of favorites Super Eagles of Nigeria and South Africa's Bafana Bafana, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The match took place at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday, with the Crocodiles moving ahead of second-placed Rwanda. This led to South Africa and Nigeria being placed in 4th (3 points) and 5th (2 points) positions, respectively.

From the beginning, the Warriors dominated possession, but Likuena appeared dangerous whenever they attacked. Lesotho took a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute when Rethabile Rasethuntsa scored with an assist from Thabo Matsoele.

Zimbabwe pushed forward in numbers to try to level the score, but this left them vulnerable at the back. Leslie Notsi’s team doubled their lead after Lehlohonolo Fothoane made a lovely pass to Jane Thabantso, who scored past goalkeeper Bernard Donovan in the 31st minute. This put Lesotho ahead 2-0 at half-time.

In the latter stages of the match, Likuena defended very well, with coach Leslie Notsi making a tactical change by substituting striker Motebang Sera for Teboho Letsema. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-0 victory for Lesotho, who were able to contain Zimbabwe.