“Winning against the best” – Rwanda’s shock wins over Nigeria & South Africa earn Lesotho’s praise

Lesotho head coach Leslie Notsi has hailed Rwanda as a formidable side following their impressive victories over Nigeria and South Africa in recent months, Footynaija.com reports.

For a nation that has never appeared at the FIFA World Cup and has only qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations once, Rwanda’s recent performances havFootynaija.come sent shockwaves across African football.

The Amavubi secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Stade Huye, Butare, in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in November 2023 before stunning Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo during an AFCON qualifier in November 2024.

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Éric Chelle’s first two games as Super Eagles head coach will be the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers—Rwanda away and Zimbabwe at home in March, let’s go super eagles !!! pic.twitter.com/hNAHDTKLvn

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 4, 2025

Those back-to-back triumphs against two of Africa’s traditional powerhouses have made Rwanda a difficult opponent, a sentiment echoed by Lesotho boss Notsi.

As Group C leaders, Rwanda sit ahead of South Africa and Benin on goal difference, with Lesotho in fourth and Nigeria struggling in fifth place.

With Rwanda set to face Nigeria on March 21 before clashing with Lesotho four days later, Notsi is under no illusions about the challenge his team will face when they meet the Amavubi in their World Cup qualifier on March 25.

“Rwanda are leading the group. They have also played very well, winning against the best, against South Africa and Nigeria (in AFCON qualifiers),” Notsi said as per NewTimes.

“So we are expecting another tricky fixture, but we’ve been there before, like you know, to other bigger countries, and we’ve come away with some decent results. So we are just going to go there and do our level best.”

Lesotho suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Rwanda in June 2024, with Jojea Kwizera scoring the decisive goal in the 45th minute. As the Crocodiles prepare to travel to Kigali for the return leg at Amahoro Stadium, Notsi knows his side faces a stern test.

Rwanda currently top Group C with seven points, while Lesotho sit fourth with five points.

23 for Rwanda & Zimbabwe WCQ #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/uVa61KUFC4

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 11, 2025

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda last November was the first time the Super Eagles had ever been beaten by the Amavubi. Their overall record against Rwanda now stands at two wins, four draws, and one defeat.