Bafana Bafana suffered their first defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after going down 2-0 to Rwanda, who are ranked 140th in the world.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Result: Rwanda 2-0 South Africa
Date: 21 November 2023
Venue: Stade Huye
Coach Hugo Broos made two changes from the win over Benin as Mothobi Mvala and Evidence Makgopa did not recover from their knocks and were replaced by Nkosinathi Mihlali Mayambela and Sibisi.
The opening exchanges proved to be a scrappy affair, with the ball not moving smoothly on the water-logged artificial turf at Stade Huye due to the weather conditions on the day.
The home side were not bothered by the conditions and took the lead on 12 minutes when Sibisi misjudged the flight of the ball, which allowed Innocent Nshuti to fire into the bottom corner with a neat finish.
Rwanda managed to capitlise on another defensive error midway through the first half when Khuliso Mudau lost the ball in the box, with Gilbert Mugisha taking full advantage by slotting into the far corner for the second goal.
Broos' charges showed a couple glimpses of getting back into the encounter, but they did not do enough to trouble Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who is no stranger to South African football as he is on the books of TS Galaxy.
Broos opted for his first change five minutes after the break, as Orlando Pirate striker Zakhele Lepasa replaced Bongokuhle Hlongwane uprfont.
Bafana did see more of the ball in the second half but Williams was first to be seriously tested just after the hour mark as he produced a fine save to keep out a powerful strike from distance.
The visitors should have pulled one back in the 77th minute when Mayambela did well to pull the ball back for Themba Zwane, who controlled well before blazing over the target from 12 yards.
Rwanda, meanwhile, remain solid defensively and were happy to run down the clock, with the home crowd showing their appreaction for each as they saw out the win.
As a result, Rwanda have moved top of Group with four points, while Bafana have dropped to second spot.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Williams, Mudau, Xulu, Sibisi, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Zwane, Tau, Hlongwane, Mayambela
Subs: Mothwa, Goss, Mobbie, Makgopa, Cross, Adams, Lepasa, Xoki, Mthethwa, Mokwana, Appollis, Mvala
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