The Zimbabwe Warriors suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Crocodiles of Lesotho in their Group C FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
With a chance to narrow the gap in Group C, Zimbabwe was undone by a well-prepared Lesotho side. The Warriors’ lack of continuity in their technical setup and inadequate preparations showed, as they conceded two quick goals within 10 minutes.
Lesotho took the lead in the 21st minute when Rethabile Rasethuntusa headed in from a corner. Jane Thabantsi then doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a goal off a counter-attack. Despite trying to turn the tide, Zimbabwe’s substitution of Tawanda Chirewa did little to change their fortunes.
The Warriors came out more organized in the second half, but luck wasn’t on their side. Tymon Machope hit the woodwork, and Walter Musona’s volley narrowly missed the target as Lesotho held on to secure the victory.
Warriors coach Jairosi Tapera and team captain Marshall Munetsi expressed their disappointment with the outcome. “We had a few days of training and we conceded from a set piece—something we need to sit down with the boys and rectify before our next match,” Tapera said. Munetsi echoed his coach’s sentiments, adding, “It’s disappointing that we lost, but it’s a marathon. We will regroup and prepare for the next assignment.”
The win moves Lesotho to the top of Group C with five points from three matches. Lesotho’s coach, Leslie Notsi, expressed satisfaction with the result, stating, “A good result, but we need to forget about this and focus on our next match with Rwanda. It was an entertaining game that we anticipated.”
The Warriors now turn their attention to their next challenge against South Africa on Tuesday in Bloemfontein.