Bafana Bafana suffered their first defeat in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers following their shock 2-0 defeat to Rwanda at Stade Huye on Tuesday.

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm on the waterlogged artificial turn at Stade Huye in the opening stages of the match.

The home side got off to a great start and got the breakthrough in the 12th minute when Innocent Nshuti beat his marker to slot the ball past Ronwen Williams to make it 1-0.

Rwanda doubled their lead just before the half hour mark after Gilbert Mugisha robbed Khuliso Mudau of the ball inside his own box before firing the ball home.

Bafana showed their intent going forward as they went in search of a goal but they were unable to break down the Rwandan defence and bypass goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

The home side went into the half time break with a comfortable two-goal lead over the South Africans.

Hugo Broos opted to bring on fresh legs early in the second half as Zakhele Lepasa came on to replace Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

Williams came to his side’s rescue just after the hour mark when he produced a great save to deny Rwanda a third goal.

South Africa should have reduced the deficit in the 77th minute when Mayambela pulled the ball back for Zwane, who fired his ever over the target from close range.

The home side managed to hold on to their two-goal lead until the final whistle to walk away with the win and all three points.

The win for Rwanda sees them move up to the top of the group with four points, while Bafana have dropped down to second place.

Photo by Julius Ntare/BackpagePix