Talking points as Rwanda stun Bafana Bafana to end unbeaten streak

Rwanda pulled off an upset against Bafana Bafana, bringing an abrupt end to their 12-match unbeaten streak in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers clash at a wet Huye Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. 

Goals from Innocent Nshuti and Gilbert Mugisha were enough for the central African nation to walk away victorious with maximum points against Hugo Broos‘ side.  

Below are the talking points from this match.

RWANDA END BAFANA BAFANA’S UNBEATEN RUN

South Africa came into this match 12 games unbeaten under the tutelage of the Belgian mentor, Broos.

They were highly motivated coming into this encounter having defeated Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. But today Rwanda used their home ground to their advantage.   

The last time SA suffered a defeat was against Morocco in Rabat in June 2022. This means that Broos’ charges have been unbeaten in 16 months. 

PITCH WAS NOT USER-FRIENDLY 

The Huye Stadium was in a bad state following rainy weather conditions. In a nutshell, the pitch was waterlogged. 

Broos also complained about the stadium a day before the game, describing the pitch as “very, very bad” for a World Cup qualifier clash.

HUGO BROOS’ CHANGES IN THE GAME

Broos didn’t make many changes in his matchday squad to face Rwanda from the squad that played against Benin over the weekend. 

As reported by FARPost yesterday, Mothobi Mvala and Evidence Makgopa started on the bench as they were not 100% fit for today’s game due to injuries sustained last Saturday against Benin. 

Orlando Pirates’ Nkosinathi Sibisi came in for Mvala in the starting eleven, while Mihlali Mayambela replaced Makgopa. 

SOUTH AFRICA NOT CLINICAL 

SA couldn’t capitalise on their clear-cut chances, as Rwanda put in a resilient defensive performance to deny the efforts of Broos’ attackers.

Broos’ boys tried to shake things up and take command of the showdown. Unfortunately, they couldn’t create much when they had a chance to do so.

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