Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in Polokwane, South Africa
Lesotho 1-0 Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE’S Warriors were left shell-shocked after a last minute strike condemned them to yet another painful defeat, this time at the hands of Lesotho, in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier at Peter Mokaba Stadium last night.
It was the same old story for Michael Nees’ men, dominance without reward. They controlled possession, carved out clear chances, and still couldn’t find a way past the Crocodiles.
Then came the sucker punch. Lesotho substitute Hlompho Kalake volleyed home deep into stoppage time to snatch an unlikely victory against the run of play.
The result ended Zimbabwe’s proud record of never losing twice to the same opponent in this campaign, having already gone down 2-0 in the reverse fixture in June last year.
Both sides had already been ruled out of contention for North America 2026, but Zimbabwe, bottom of Group C with five points, desperately needed a win to restore some pride. Instead, they finished winless, five draws, five defeats and plenty of regret.
Nees rang the changes, giving game time to most of his squad. Divine Lunga missed the tie due to bereavement, while Tawanda Maswanhise was unavailable after misplacing his passport.
Despite the rotation, the Warriors were lively and purposeful. Bill Antonio and Prince Dube both found space behind Lesotho’s defence but couldn’t convert. Substitute Daniel Msendami, a late inclusion after Thando Ngwenya’s injury withdrawal, had the best chance but lifted the ball over goalkeeper, Benedict Sekhoane.
And as has become their curse, the missed chances came back to haunt them. Lesotho broke forward one last time, and Kalake’s strike left Zimbabwe with nothing to show once again.
Nees didn’t hide his frustration after the game.
“Disappointed. Not the result we wanted. Everything, it came as anticipated, the long balls, the counter-attacks from Lesotho, where they are really strong.
“But at the end, we lose 1-0 in the final minute. That’s very bitter and very difficult. We need to find a way to bring the ball in the net.
“We don’t score enough when we have chances. We don’t shoot accurately or pass when a teammate is free. We lack the final decision making, the final concentration.
“Similar situation like against Rwanda. Almost a deja vu. We must score a goal to calm our game down. If you don’t, you get punished, and today we got punished in the final minute.
“We have no option but to continue working. We tried different players, different combinations up front, but the finishing problem runs through all levels of our football. We cannot rely on Knowledge (Musona); he was suspended.”
Zimbabwe end their campaign with no victories from 10 games, a haunting statistic that sums up a frustrating chapter in their World Cup journey.
Teams
Lesotho: Benedict Sekhoane, Jonas Thabang, Matlabe Fusi (Motebang Sera 82), Makhele Thabo, Motlomelo Mkhwanazi, Rethabile Mokokoane, Lehlohonolo Matsau (Hlompho Kalake 70), Mphale Mphalaole, Jane Thabantso (Tsepang Sefali 70), Calvin Snyders, Jane Tsotleho (Tsepo Toloane 35).
Zimbabwe: Elvis Chipezeze, Jordan Zemura, Jonah Fabisch (Marvelous Nakamba 46), Brendon Galloway, Bill Antonio (Daniel Msendami 79), Walter Musona (Khama Billiat 61), Emmanuel Jalai, Prince Dube, Tawanda Chirewa (Terrence Dzvukamanja 79), Gerald Takwara (Godknows Murwira 44), Marshal Munetsi.
