‘We used that opportunity to beat Bafana’: Rwanda’s Fiacre Ntwari

TS Galaxy and Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari reminisces about his national team's surprising victory over Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Cup qualifier last November.

South Africa, placed in Group C alongside Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Benin, faced a setback with a loss to Rwanda, despite starting their campaign with a win against Benin.

Reflecting on the match, Ntwari acknowledges the perceived superiority of Bafana Bafana but highlights the determination of the Rwandan team to defend their home turf. He expressed the pressure he felt, particularly as a player based in South Africa.

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Despite the apparent mismatch in quality, Rwanda managed to secure a 2-0 victory, exploiting the challenging wet conditions at Huye Stadium. Ntwari credits their familiarity with artificial pitches, common in Rwanda, for their adaptability to the conditions.

While Bafana Bafana struggled to adjust to the waterlogged surface, Ntwari and his teammates capitalized on the opportunity, showcasing their resilience and determination to play their style of football regardless of the circumstances.

Ntwari concludes by expressing gratitude for the victory, recognizing its significance not only for the team but also for his personal reputation as a player in South Africa.

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