At Peter Mokaba Stadium, Lesotho closed their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a spirited 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, a match played not for advancement, but for sheer national pride.
This final Group C encounter saw both teams out of contention, yet the desire to end on a high was unmistakable.
Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake delivered the game’s only goal deep into stoppage time, sending the home fans into celebration. The Crocodiles finished the group having scored 9 goals and conceded 12, collecting 12 points overall, a campaign marked by resilience despite tough results. For Zimbabwe, the story was one of near-misses, as they ended the qualifiers with 5 goals scored and 12 conceded, tallying just 5 points and no wins.
This match may not alter the standings, but it provided moments of joy, reflection, and pride for two teams who played with heart. For Lesotho, victory in front of their fans is a silver lining; for Zimbabwe, the focus turns to rebuilding.
In Polokwane, football offered both nations a chance to dream, regardless of what the standings say.
