Zimbabwe Sink to Bottom of Group C After Shocking ...

Zimbabwe Sink to Bottom of Group C After Shocking Loss to Lesotho

Philemon Jambaya

Assistant Editor

The Zimbabwe national team, nicknamed the Warriors, were left shell-shocked after a disappointing 0-2 defeat to Lesotho in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier. This result sees them rooted to the bottom of Group C with only two points after three matches.

A partisan crowd at the stadium buzzed with anticipation, hoping to witness their team shine. However, their dreams were dashed by a nightmare first half for the Warriors. Goalkeeper Donovan Bernard and defender Teenage Hadebe were both at fault for Lesotho’s two goals, leaving coach Jairosi Tapera frustrated.

Despite a bright start, Zimbabwe conceded from a corner just after the 20-minute mark. Bernard failed to collect the cross, allowing Rethabile Rasethuntsa to tap home for Lesotho. The Warriors responded positively, with Daniel Msendami and captain Marshall Munetsi testing the Lesotho goalkeeper. Debutant Tawanda Chirewa even rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot.

However, disaster struck again for Zimbabwe before halftime. Jane Thabantso doubled Lesotho’s lead, leaving the Warriors with a mountain to climb.

The second half saw a more determined Zimbabwe side, but their finishing touch deserted them. Calls for penalties were waved away by the referee, adding to their frustration. Substitute players Tawanda Maswanhise and Tymon Machope provided glimpses of hope, but it wasn’t enough.

Tapera acknowledged the defensive errors that cost his team the game. “The two goals we conceded were basic defensive errors,” he said. “We regrouped well in the second half, but we couldn’t convert our chances.”

He emphasised the need for time for the new team to gel. “We will try to soldier on and rectify those mistakes,” Tapera continued. “We also need to work on set pieces, where we were very poor.”

Lesotho coach Leslie Notsi admitted they were fortunate to capitalize on Zimbabwe’s mistakes. “We knew they would come strong at us, but we also anticipated them to make mistakes,” he said. “It was a new team, and those slight mistakes came out, and we utilised them.”

The Warriors face an uphill battle to qualify for the World Cup. They must learn from their errors and improve their finishing if they are to turn things around.