Kalake breaks Zimbabwe hearts to hand Lesotho win

Lesotho struck late to claim a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (Group C) match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday evening.

What was the point of sweating and denying South Africa an opportunity to qualify for the world cup when you can’t even get a point against Lesotho? Just causing the lives of our brothers and sisters in Mzansi difficult?

This was an embarrassing run & Coach should do better 😭 pic.twitter.com/nVLD8MBnhA

— Freddy Michael Masarirevu⚖️ (@freddyMM93) October 13, 2025

Therefore, Likuena ended a disappointing qualifying campaign with a victory, which sees them finish in fourth place in the group standings. Lesotho could organise international friendlies in the upcoming Fifa breaks, after failing to qualify for the 2025 Afcon.

The Warriors, on the other hand, ended an unsuccessful qualifying campaign in sixth place in the group standings without winning a single match. Zimbabwe are expected to play friendly matches as part of their preparations for December's 2025 Afcon.

The Warriors enjoyed better possession in the opening exchanges of the match and they nearly grabbed an early goal in the eighth minute, but goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane recovered well after he had fumbled Walter Musona's effort.

However, Likuena grew in confidence as the match progressed and keeper Elvis Chipezeze needed two attempts to stop an effort from Mphale Mphalaole on the half-hour mark. The score was 0-0 during the half-time break in the Southern African Derby clash.

Zimbabwe started the second half brightly, and they had a great chance to break the deadlock after Moerane was beaten on the hour mark. Bill Antonio was sent through on goal, but Motlomelo Mkwanazi cleared the ball just before the former could fire into an empty net.

Nevertheless, the Warriors were made to rue their missed chances in stoppage time as Neo Mokhachane set up fellow substitute Hlompho Kalake, who beat Chipezeze with a sublime shot from outside the box to earn Lesotho a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe on the night.

Lesotho 1 (Kalake 90'+3)

Zimbabwe 0

Lesotho: Moerane, Malane (Mokhachane 70'), Mkhwanazi, Makhele, Mokokoane, Matlabe (Motebang 83'), Thaba (Sefali 70'), Matsau (Kalake 46'), Mphalaole, Snyders, Tshotleho (Toloane 36')

Zimbabwe: Chipezeze, Dube, Takwara (Murwira 44'), W. Musona (Billiat 62'), Fabisch (Nakamba 46'), Munetsi, Galloway, Zemura, Antonio (Msendami 80'), Jalai, Chirewa (Dzvukamanja 80')