WCQ: Current Group C Standings After Lesotho Defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 To Close The Gap On Nigeria

Lesotho defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium. In stoppage time, substitute Hlompho Kalake scored the game-winning goal. Lesotho would have lost a hotly contested game and their hopes of qualifying would have been scuppered before halftime substitute Kalake scored in the third minute of extra time.

 

 

Prince Dube and Walter Musona, two strikers, put in a lot of effort, but Zimbabwe did not capitalize on their early possession and showed a lack of urgency in the match. Lesotho’s well-organized defense, led by captain Basia Makepe, prevented the Warriors from scoring in the first half. Both teams made numerous substitutions in the second half as they looked for a chance to score.

Lesotho strengthened their offense with Kalake and Neo Mokhachane, while Zimbabwe welcomed Khama Billiat and Marvellous Nakamba. In the last moments of the match, ferocious outbursts resulted in numerous yellow cards and bookings for Motlomelo Mkwanazi of Lesotho and Brendan Galloway of Zimbabwe, respectively.

In the 93rd minute, just when it appeared that both teams would be content with a draw, Mokhachane and Kalake had a beautiful connection. Mokhachane laid a precise pass that the forward calmly tapped home from the center of the box just as the home crowd was going crazy.