Heartbreak in Polokwane: Warriors Fall to Lesotho’s Late Strike

A cruel 90+3rd-minute goal by substitute Hlompho Kalake condemned Zimbabwe to a heartbreaking 1–0 defeat against Lesotho in a dramatic FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Tuesday night.

For long periods, the Warriors looked the more polished side, dominating possession, pressing high, and showing glimpses of class in midfield, but as has so often been the case, their failure to convert chances proved costly.

From the first whistle, Zimbabwe showed intent. Tawanda Chirewa’s quick feet and Prince Dube’s darting runs constantly troubled the Lesotho backline. Bill Antonio and Walter Musona also came close, but either poor finishing or inspired goalkeeping from Lesotho’s Sekhoane Moerane kept the game goalless at halftime.

Coach Michael Nees’s men controlled the rhythm, boasting 64% possession in the opening half and creating seven good chances, yet the scoreboard told a different story. Frustration began to creep in, with Elvis Chipezeze and Dube both earning cautions for dissent.

In the second half, Nees threw everything forward, summoning experience in Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat, Terrence Dzvukamanja, and Daniel Msendami. The changes brought energy and urgency, with Zimbabwe pinning Lesotho deep into their own half.

But Lesotho, disciplined and patient, refused to crumble. Every Warriors attack met a blue wall of resistance, and as time ticked away, nerves began to show. Then came the gut punch.

Deep into stoppage time, Lesotho launched a rare counter. Substitute Mokhachane whipped in a teasing cross that met Kalake, who ghosted past his marker and calmly slotted home beyond Chipezeze. The Peter Mokaba crowd fell silent, save for the small pocket of jubilant Lesotho supporters celebrating what will go down as one of their finest results.

Zimbabwe threw men forward in desperation, with late efforts from Dube, Msendami, and Dzvukamanja, but the equaliser never came.

It was a night of dominance without reward, 61% possession, 13 attempts, eight on target, yet the result read defeat. For the Warriors, the loss is a painful reminder that control means little without precision in front of goal.

Coach Nees, visibly disappointed at full-time, will know his side must respond quickly as attention now turns to the AFCON 2025 preparations. The talent is there, but as this defeat showed, efficiency and focus in key moments will determine whether Zimbabwe can turn promise into progress.