CAF U-20 Qualifiers: 1st Leg
Rwanda 1-1 Uganda
Uganda National Under 20 side the Hippos found themselves in a soul searching moment as Rwanda takes a one goal cushion by the close of business at half time in Nyamirambo.
After a promising start that witnessed lone striker Edrisa Lubega forcing defender Ange Mutsinzi into an unhurried clearance, the hosts momentarily rallied back to make instant thereafter.
By the third minute, Rwanda’s left back Aman Niyonkuru had a well weighted cross into the area well dealt with by the Ugandan skipper, Halid Lwaliwa.
Lubega was then denied by goalie Jimmy Nzeyruwanda in the 6th minute in a one against one incident.
By the 13th minute, Jabel Manishimwe forced a great save from Keni Saidi in the Ugandan goal posts with an attempt from 30 yards.
A minute after the quarter mark, Yasin Mugume had a 40 yarder saved by Nzeyurqanda before Rwanda’s lead forward Blaise Itangishaka officially reported to work with the day’s opener.
The goal arrived in the 18th minute when skipper Savio Nshuti beat Umaru Mukobe at right back for the cross that Itangishaka headed past the goalie in an unmarked situation.
Itsangishaka forced Lwaliwa to clear off the line shortly after with another attempt.
In the 33rd minute Mukobe played a long ball that an on rushing Lubega raced onto, beating Niyonkuru for pace before slotting the ball home for the equalizer.
Mugume missed doubling the lead shortly after when his well laid tempting ball witnessed Niyonkuru hit the post.
The two sides return for the second half with plenty of options available on the bench.
