A little reprieve may have come the way of the embattled Super Eagles of Nigeria after the Amavubi of Rwanda stunned their more illustrious opponents, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 2-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match played yesterday afternoon at the Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda.
Taking to a water-logged pitch at the Huye Stadium, both sides struggled to get into a passing rhythm because of the ball constantly sticking to the Astro turf.
The wet conditions appeared to have levelled the playing field with numerous 50/50 battles breaking out in the middle of the park.
However, it was Rwanda who broke the deadlock as Innocent Nshuti got his name on the scoresheet in the 12th minute.
The home side continued to look dangerous when going forward and often took the game to the visitors.
Amavubi then doubled their advantage shortly before the half-hour mark as Gilbert Mugeshi joined Nshuti on the scoreboard with a wonderful individual effort.
The defeat suffered by Super Eagles arch rivals South Africa who had won their first match 2-0 against Benin Republic has kept the group open.
Victory for the South Africans would have seen them open a four-point gap on the struggling Super Eagles.
However, after yesterday’s result, Rwanda are topping the table with four points, followed by South Africa with three points and three-time African champions, Nigeria in third with two points from draws against Lesotho at home and Zimbabwe in Butare.
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