Rwanda stun Bafana Bafana to go top of World Cup qualifying group

It was a waterlogged surface after heavy rains which did little to help Bafana's short passing style of play and it was the the hosts who were on top in the opening exchanges as they were able to adapt to the conditions better.

That dominance continued for the Rwandans, who took the lead in the 12th minute through Innocent Nshuti, whose right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner pierced the back of the net after being assisted by Lague Byiringiro with a headed pass.

Soon after, it was two after a terrible blunder at the back from Bafana with Gilbert Mugisha converting the opportunity after being teed up by Ange Mutsinzi.

The South Africans did not have a single shot on goal in the entire first half which prompted coach Hugo Broos into bringing Zakhele Lepasa on in place of Bongokuhle Hlongwane five minutes after the interval.

Bafana finally had an attempt on target on the hour mark when Teboho Mokoena had a go for goal from range but the Rwanda keeper made an easy save.

Ronwen Williams kept Bafana in the game as Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana unleashed a powerful shot which was on target and forced an impressive reflex save out of the Bafana skipper as captain and captain collided.

Broos' men were improved from their first half showing. In the 78th minute, Mark Mayambela pulled the ball back to Themba Zwane in a promising position but the veteran sent his shot too high and into the stands.

There was one last chance as Oswin Appollis whipped in a dangerous corner. It just needed a South African body to touch it but it was not to be.

Rwanda camped more and more inside their own half to close out the victory and preserve their clean sheet.

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