Zimbabwe 0-1 Rwanda Player Ratings: Gilbert Mugisha Rated 8/10 as Mugisha's Strike Secures Narrow 1-0 Victory for Rwanda

The match which is making buzz over the internet has been finished, and the side who won all three points are the visitors, Rwanda. In a tightly contested CAF World Cup Qualifier at Orlando Stadium, Rwanda secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe, boosting their hopes for a second-place finish in Group C. This was a game of defensive resilience versus offensive frustration. This crucial qualifier was a tense affair from the off.

The decisive blow came in the 40th minute. Gilbert Mugisha found himself in the right place at the right time, converting from the middle of the box to give Rwanda a lead they would not relinquish. It was a well-taken goal that punished a moment of defensive lapse from the home side. What stood out to us was how Rwanda immediately shifted their focus to protecting that lead, showing immense discipline.

Zimbabwe huffed and puffed in the second half, making numerous changes to try and unlock the Rwandan defense, but it was to no avail. The visitors stood firm, their backline looking almost impenetrable at times. The match grew increasingly scrappy, highlighted by a flurry of yellow cards late in the game, as Zimbabwe's desperation grew and Rwanda's gamesmanship came to the fore. A truly gritty away performance and a massive three points for Rwanda.

Here are Zimbabwe Vs Rwanda Player Ratings

Zimbabwe Player Ratings vs Rwanda

Here are Zimbabwe Player Ratings vs Rwanda

Goalkeeper

W. Arubi - 5.5: Couldn't have done much to stop the goal, a close-range finish left him stranded. He wasn't tested much otherwise, but a goalkeeper is always judged on clean sheets, and he didn't get one here.

Defenders

G. Takwara - 6.0: A mixed bag for the defender. He was part of a unit that was solid for long stretches but was ultimately breached. Seemed to struggle with the movement of Rwanda's forwards at the crucial moment.

Jordan Zemura - 6.5: One of the few bright spots for Zimbabwe. He was always looking to get forward down the left flank and tried to make things happen. His final ball was lacking, but the intent was there for all to see.

Munashe Garananga - 6.0: He made some important tackles and interceptions throughout the match. However, a lapse in concentration from the backline led to the goal, which he has to share some responsibility for.

E. Jalai - 5.5: Found it tough going and was eventually substituted as Zimbabwe chased the game. He struggled to contain his winger and offered very little in an attacking sense. A difficult afternoon.

Midfielders

Prosper Padera - 5.0: Totally anonymous in the first half. It was no surprise to see him hooked at the interval. He failed to get on the ball or make any impact on the proceedings. A performance to forget.

Marshall Munetsi - 7.0: Zimbabwe's best player by a country mile. He was a warrior in the midfield, breaking up play, driving forward, and demanding more from his teammates. It was a performance full of heart, but he was let down by those around him.

Bruno Rodrigues - 6.0: Kept possession ticking over but was far too safe with his passing. In a game where Zimbabwe needed some creative spark, he was unable to provide it. A neat but ineffective outing.

Forwards

Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya - 5.5: Worked hard up front but was completely isolated. He was starved of service and cut a frustrated figure before being substituted in the second half.

Tawanda Maswanhise - 5.0: Another player withdrawn at halftime, which tells you everything you need to know. He was lightweight and easily handled by the robust Rwandan defence. Made zero impact.

Tawanda Chirewa - 6.5: Looked like the most likely to create something for the home side. He showed good feet and a willingness to take players on, but he couldn't find a way through the organized opposition.

Substitutes

Bill Antonio - 6.0: Brought some much-needed energy after coming on at halftime, but couldn't produce a moment of magic.

Tymon Machope - 5.5: His most notable contribution was picking up a yellow card. Didn't offer the goal threat he was brought on for.

Terrence Dzvukamanja - 6.0: Added a physical presence but couldn't find the crucial equalizer.

Walter Musona - N/A: Came on too late to influence the match.

Manager

M. Nees - 5.0: His initial game plan clearly didn't work, forcing him into two halftime substitutions. His team lacked ideas and cutting edge in the final third. A very disappointing day at the office for the Zimbabwe manager.

Rwanda Player Ratings vs Zimbabwe

Here are Rwanda Player Ratings vs Zimbabwe

Goalkeeper

Fiacre Ntwari - 7.0: Commanded his area well and was a calming presence. He didn't have many world-class saves to make but did everything required of him to secure a vital clean sheet. A solid display.

Defenders

Claude Niyomugabo - 6.5: A very solid defensive shift, though he blotted his copybook with a yellow card. He was tough in the tackle and gave his opposite number no room to breathe.

Ange Mutsinzi - 7.5: A colossal performance at the heart of the defence. He won everything in the air and his positioning was impeccable. What stood out to us was how he organized the backline, especially in the frantic final minutes.

Phanuel Kavita - 7.5: Formed an almost perfect partnership with Mutsinzi. He read the game brilliantly, making several key interceptions. He was composed on the ball and never looked flustered.

Thierry Manzi - 7.0: Completed a superb defensive performance from the visitors. He was disciplined, strong, and focused for the entire 90 minutes, forming part of a formidable defensive wall.

Midfielders

Djihad Bizimana - 7.0: Patrolled the midfield with authority. He broke up countless Zimbabwe attacks and protected his back four with intelligence and tenacity before being substituted. His work was crucial for the win.

Gilbert Mugisha - 8.0: The match-winner and our highest-rated player. He took his goal with supreme confidence and worked tirelessly for the team. His goal was the single moment of true quality that decided the contest. The undisputed Man of the Match.

Bonheur Mugisha - 7.0: An energetic, all-action display in the middle of the park. He covered an incredible amount of ground, helping out defensively and trying to support the attack. An unsung hero.

Forwards

Abeddy Biramahire - 6.0: Ran the channels and put the Zimbabwe defence under pressure. He didn't offer a huge goal threat himself but his hard work created space and opportunities for his teammates.

Kevin Muhire - 6.5: A clever player who linked the midfield and attack effectively. His movement was intelligent, and while he didn't get a goal or assist, he was key to Rwanda's attacking structure.

Jojea Kwizera - 6.0: His work rate was phenomenal. He spent as much time tracking back and helping his fullback as he did attacking. Embodied the team's spirit on the day.

Substitutes

Arthur Gitego - 6.0: Came on and did exactly what was asked of him, working hard to help see out the win.

Bryan-Clovis Ngwabije - 5.5: Brought on to add fresh legs, but quickly got himself booked.

Anicet Ishimwe - 5.5: Similarly, his main action was earning a yellow card for a cynical foul to break up play.

Darryl Nkulikiyimana - N/A: A late cameo to waste time.

Manager

A. Amrouche - 8.0: A tactical masterclass. He set his team up perfectly to be defensively solid and to hit on the counter. His game management in the second half was spot on, securing a massive away victory.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Gilbert Mugisha