Rwanda surprises South Africa 2-0 to take group lead in African World Cup qualifying

BUTARE, Rwanda (AP) — Host Rwanda handed South Africa a surprise 2-0 defeat in difficult conditions on Tuesday to go top of its group in African World Cup qualifying.

Rwanda adapted better to the Huye Stadium pitched waterlogged by a heavy downpour before the game to score twice in the first half.

Innocent Nshuti held off a defender and slotted into the far corner to open the scoring in the 12th minute. Gilbert Mugisha then took advantage of a defensive mix-up in the penalty area to double the lead after 28 minutes.

Lesotho was held to a 0-0 draw by Benin in South Africa in the other Group C game, leaving Rwanda top of the group with four points from two matches.

South Africa is second on three points with Lesotho, Nigeria and Zimbabwe all on two points and Benin in last place with one point.

In other matches, Tunisia won 1-0 in Malawi, Botswana edged Guinea 1-0 at home, Burkina Faso eased past host Ethiopia 3-0 in Morocco, and Uganda defeated Somalia 1-0 also in Morocco.

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