Tawanda Chirewa Stars in Warriors’ Draw Against Nigeria

Zimbabwe struck a late equaliser in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C encounter played in Uyo, Nigeria, Tuesday evening.

The home team had been frustrated by a resolute Zimbabwe defence for much of the game but striker Victor Osimhen headed them in front on 74 minutes, converting from Ola Aina’s teasing centre.

That looked like it was going to be enough but the Warriors continued to fight hard and, after Knowledge Musona hit the crossbar, substitute Tawanda Chirewa prodded in a last-gasp equaliser.

Chirewa came in the final ten minutes of the match to replace an injured Terrence Dzvukamanja.

He was assisted by another substitute, Tawanda Maswanhise and met his cross in the centre of the box to score the injury-time equaliser for the visitors.

Nigeria are fourth in the table, with Zimbabwe remaining bottom.

In another Group C encounter Bafana Bafana boosted their qualifying hopes with a hard-fought win in this top-of-table clash with Benin.

Benin began the game just two points behind their visitors at the section’s summit and created the best chance of the opening half when Junior Olaitan’s diving header threatened to loop over Ronwen Williams before the keeper produced an agile save.

South Africa emerged a stronger force in the second half though, and took the lead just a few minutes after the restart.

Fawaaz Basadien burst clear on the left and delivered an inviting low cross which Lyle Foster applied the slightest touch to, sending the ball trickling along the line, off the inside of the post and just over the line before Benin could scramble clear.

A couple of substitutes then combined for Bafana Bafana’s winner, Oswin Apollis crossing for Jayden Adams to direct a precise downward header beyond the helpless keeper.

Meanwhile Rwanda moved up to second in Group C but missed the chance to close the gap further to South Africa as they were held by Lesotho.

The home team created several chances in the first half but found Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane in inspired form.

Rwanda eventually made the breakthrough just before the hour when Jojea Kwizera raced through on goal then finished with aplomb.

Lesotho stayed in the game, however, and got their reward when Lehlohonolo Fothoane volleyed in an 82nd-minute leveller. Lesotho are fifth in the group but just two points behind Rwanda.