By Lucky van Rukundo
Lesotho vs Rwanda: World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers, Group C, Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. Kickoff: 6PM
There will be all to play for when the Crocodiles of Lesotho welcome Rwanda to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, in match day four of the 2026 World Cup Group C qualifiers on Tuesday, June 11.
Lesotho (149th), the lowest ranked in Group C and 18 places behind Rwanda, are the surprise package after three games as they are lead the standings with 5 points.
They haven’t lost a match so far in the qualifying campaign, having held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the opening match, and Benin (0-0) before traveling to Harare to stun Southern African rivals Zimbabwe 2-0.
Amavubi, on the other hand, are second on the table after playing out a goalless draw with Zimbabwe and beat South Africa 2-0 in Huye before losing 1-0 to Benin in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Now sitting second in the group with four points, Amavubi will be hoping to retain their top spot should they beat Lesotho in Durban.
Either way, a win for either side will see them top the standings until March 2025 when the World Cup qualifiers return to action.
Lesotho have been in impressive form under the tutelage of Leslie Notsi, who took over the reins of the team just before the start of the qualifiers.
They have been very decisive in the final end of the field and they play delightful football. Jane Thabantso and Sera Motebang have been their key players.
Rwanda, on the other hand, have been compact, conceding just once in their last three outings. Their general level of play has improved drastically under Spittler and they are full of confidence now.
Spittler could make a couple of changes to the team which lost to Benin as winger Rafael York who left the team camp in Abidjan injured has returned back to Sweden for medical treatment. Either Jojea Kwizera, Kevin Muhire or Samuel Gueulette could be handed a starting berth.
Lesotho vs Rwanda Key duels to watch
Minnows Lesotho have been arguably a surprise package so far in the 2026 World Cup Africa Group C qualifiers.
The Crocodiles are top of the table with five points after three games, having held Nigeria and Benin to draws before travelling to Harare to stun fellow Southern African nation Zimbabwe with a 2-0 win in match day three on Friday, June 7.
They next host Frank Spittler’s Rwanda at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Tuesday, June 11 where a win for either side will see them lead the Group until the qualifying action returns in March 2025.
The clash promises to be action-packed and Times Sport takes a look at five key duels that could shape the game.
Jane Thabantso vs Fitina Omborenga
Winger Thabantso, who plays for local side Matlama FC, has established himself among Lesotho’s best players so far in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The 28-year-old’s lightening pace down the left side of attack has been phenomenal, especially during match day three of the qualifiers when he scored the second goal in the 31st minute to help Lesotho beat Zimbabwe 2-0.
Rwandan right-back Omborenga Fitina must be at his best to cope with Thabantso. Just like the winger, the APR defender also plays with pace and is very strong. One has to pin down the other before getting room to operate.
Thabantso is Lesotho’s all-time top scorer with 12 goals in 72 appearances since 2015.
Djihad Bizimana vs Lenlohonolo Fothoane
Skipper Bizimana has been Rwanda’s engine from midfield recently. He is the fulcrum which Spittler’s side revolves around. It will be interesting to see how Fothoane fares against him in midfield. The Bantu FC player has been outstanding and has bossed the Lesotho midfield to perfection so far but Bizimana’s exploits can’t be overlooked either, having tremendously contributed to Kryvbas’ journey to the Europa League qualification.
Sera Motebang vs Ange Mutsinzi
Plying his trade at South African DSTV Premier League side Royal AM, Motebang is among the few foreign players in the Lesotho national team.
With 11 goals in 58 appearances for his country, he is their second all-time top scorer. Motebang has been in fine form for his country and Rwandan defense, especially Ange Mutsinzi, must keep an eye on the forward to avoid any of his attacking threats.
Any mistake at the back, he is always around there to make you regret it.
Tsepang Sefali vs Emmanuel Imanishimwe
Sefali 27, who features for local side Linare FC is a late bloomer. He made his debut for Lesotho in March 2022 in an AFCON first qualifying round game against Seychelles which ended 0-0.
He will be having his sixth cap for his country against Rwanda. In terms of experience at the top level football, Imanishimwe can deal with the winger with ease. Sefali can, however, be dangerous on any day.
Thabang Malane vs Gilbert Mugisha
Mugisha wasn’t at his usual best when Rwanda lost 1-0 to Benin in Abidjan on Thursday, June 6. Coach Spittler admitted that the APR forward looked exhausted and he had to substitute him in the 72nd minute.
As one of Amavubi’s few prolific attackers, Mugisha must show a better version of self against Lesotho.
He will, however, have to cause real danger on Thabang Malane who is very physical. He can still capitalize on the defender’s lack of considerable pace.
Mugisha’s pace and Malane’s strength promises be a battle that can decide the result either way.
It will be a very intriguing game as the side which holds their fort at the back and remains sharp in attack will carry the day.
Form Guide:
Lesotho’s form in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: DDW
Lesotho form in their last five games: DLDWLW
Rwanda’s form in World 2026 Qualifiers: DWL
Rwanda’s form in their last five games: DDWDWL
W: Win, D: Draw, L: Loss
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