Genocide Memorial Match: Rwanda U-20 1-1 Morocco U-20
A football match between Rwanda and Morocco U-20 football teams was played on Saturday at the Amahoro National Stadium in the heart of the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
The match was part of the full festivities to commemorate the millions of souls who died in the 1994 Genocide termed as ‘Kwibuka‘.
Inside the opening 60 seconds of the game, Rwanda started on a bright note scoring through burly forward Blaise Itangishaka.
Rwanda U-20 players celebrate Blaise Itangishaka’s opener against Morocco U-20 in the first minute
Morocco equalized through Hicham Boussoufiane two minutes to the half time whistle.
At the start of the second half, the visitors made five changes. Sioudi Aissa, Abdelhadi Boumzairig, Mohamed Elmorabit, Anass Nouader and Anas Jabroun were all introduced.
Moments later, Jean Paul Ahoyikuye replaced Amani Niyonkuru in Rwanda’s second change.
Morocco team paying the last respects at the massive grave in Kigali
In the 54th minute, Olivier Nsabimana came on for Park Udahemuka (a first half change who had replaced Ian Kagame in the first half).
Ten minutes later, Morocco called for yet another change. Maati Tamayazou replaced the goalscorer Hicham Boussoufiane.
With 16 minutes to the climax of the game, Djabel Manishimwe paved way for Bryan Cyizere Kagame before Abeddy Biramahire succeeded Jacques Ntwari.
Rwanda made two further changes that saw the skipper Dominique Savio Nshuti taken out for Kimenyi Kakira as Sadjati Niyonkuru replaced Vedaste Niyibizi.
Two of President Paul Kagame’s sons participated in the match.
Ian Kagame (who was later replaced by Park Udahemuka in the 27th minute) and Bryan Cyizere Kagame, a late second half substitute for Manishimwe.
The Moroccan players and officials visited the mass graves in Kigali where they paid the last respects.
Rwanda U-20 team XI
Morocco U-20 team XI
Team line ups:
Rwanda XI: Hategekimana, Sibomana, Nsabimana, Yamini, Amani Niyonkuru, Djabel Manishimwe, Jacques Ntwari, Niyibizi, Blaise Itangishaka, Savio Dominique Nshuti (Captain), Ian Kagame
Morocco XI: Achraf, Bahaj, Dari, Boutouil, Ghrib, Bach, Hicham Boussoufiane, Regragui, Hannouri, Fadiz, Youssoufi
