Zimbabwe 0-2 Lesotho
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Zimbabwe paid the price for a poor first half defensive display as they lost to Lesotho to remain winless in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday.
The Warriors were home but had to play the match, their third in Group C, at Orlando Stadium in South Africa because Zimbabwe’s stadiums were condemned by FIFA.
Lesotho went ahead after 21 minutes when left back Rethabile Rasethuntsa helped the ball over the line when Zimbabwe’s defence failed to deal with a corner.
The visitors doubled their lead just nine minutes later as Jane Thaba-Ntso slid in the second, which Bernard Donovan will feel he should have saved.
Zimbabwe huffed and puffed in search of an equaliser but they had two penalty shouts waved away late on.
Skipper Marshall Munetsi was denied by the crossbar from a cute bicycle kick after 85 minutes.
Zimbabwe’s defeat comes after draws against Rwanda and Nigeria.
The Warriors must overcome the disappointment and prepare to go again when they face South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Benin beat Rwanda 1-0 at home on Thursday to climb to third in Group C.
