The home side dominated from the outset, with Themba Zwane opening the scoring inside 15 minutes after a quick exchange of passes with Percy Tau. Zwane’s low finish into the bottom corner set the tone for a confident Bafana Bafana display.

Rwanda struggled to cope with South Africa’s high press and conceded again midway through the first half. Lyle Foster doubled the lead from close range after a defensive mix-up, leaving the visitors chasing shadows before the interval.

The second half continued in similar fashion as South Africa controlled possession and tempo. Substitute Evidence Makgopa sealed the win with a well-taken third goal in the 78th minute, converting a cross from Aubrey Modiba to cap off a complete team performance.

Rwanda rarely threatened goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, with their best chance coming from a long-range effort by Hakizimana that sailed over the bar. The visitors’ defensive shape improved late on, but by then the contest was effectively over.

After the match, South Africa coach Hugo Broos praised his team’s composure and movement. “We played with maturity and discipline. This is how we want to continue in qualifying,” he told reporters.

Rwanda coach  admitted his side had been second-best throughout. “We started too slowly and gave them too much space. We have to learn from this if we want to compete at this level,” he said.

The win moves South Africa to the top of Group C with 10 points from four matches, two ahead of Nigeria. Rwanda remains on four points and face an uphill battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Historically, the result marks South Africa’s biggest victory over Rwanda since their 2005 World Cup qualifier in Durban, which ended 2–0. It also continues a strong home record under Broos, who has lost just once in World Cup qualifying since taking charge in 2021.