Lesotho secured an important 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe at the Johannesburg Stadium in South Africa on Friday afternoon to go top of Group C in Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a group that includes Nigeria.
Lesotho now sit atop Group C with five points from three matches, while Zimbabwe are at the bottom of the group with just two points.
Rethabile Rasethuntsa opened the scoring for Lesotho in the 21st minute, giving them an early lead. Jane Thaba Ntso then doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later, putting the game beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.
Meanwhile, another match in Group C will take place later on Friday night between Nigeria and South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, with both teams looking to make up ground on the group leaders.
Nigeria are currently fifth in Group C with two points from their opening two games, and a high-scoring win will see the Super Eagles go top of the group.
Friday’s results in Uyo will have a significant impact on the standings and the hopes of each nation to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Benin Republic, who are coached by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, are third in the group with four points after their 1-0 win over Rwanda in Abidjan on Thursday. Douko Dodo grabbed the match-winner in the 37th minute.
The three-time African champions will battle Benin Republic next Monday in Abidjan in continuation of the World Cup qualifying series.
