CHAN 2018 Qualifiers (Return Leg, 2nd Round):
- Rwanda Amavubi Stars 2-0 Uganda Cranes
- (Uganda qualifies for 2018 CHAN tournament after 3-2 win on aggregate)
When the FIFA Referee from Sudan Alamen Hafiz Abdelghani blew for full time during Uganda Cranes’ 2-0 to Rwanda Amavubi Stars at the Stade De Kigali in Nyamirambo, there were definite mixed reactions.
For obvious reasons, Uganda Cranes players jubilated, others bowed on the astro turf surface and fans in the terraces including the FA boss Moses Magogo danced wildly to music diva Sheeba Kalungi’s famous ‘Farmer’ hit.
The home side players and fans alike were disappointed. Others even cried.
It was a panicky moment for the visiting team as the Rwanda scored two quick goals in the opening quarter an hour.
APR midfielder Yannick Munkunzi scored as early as the 8th minute of the game to give the Amavubi stars a ray of hope.
The midfielder made optimal use of hesitation at the Cranes back line to pounce home the opener through a powerful header off wing Eric Irankunda’s cross for his first ever international goal.
Uganda Cranes had a chance to make quick amends in the 13th minute but URA midfielder Shafiq Kagimu failed to beat goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimye following a telling through ball from Muzamiru Mutyaba.
Two minutes later, Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba’s charges conceded another headed goal from Rayon Sports burly center half Thierry Manzi who out jumped his markers to nod home Savio Nhsuti’s curling corner.
Uganda Cranes panicked, looked disjointed and out of shape for the time being.
Five minutes later, right back Nico Wakiro Wadada got cautioned for a malicious foul on the largely industrious Nshuti on the right.
Uganda’s best second chance on the half fell to Vipers’ midfielder Moses Waiswa whose effort from 40 yards out was saved by Ndayishimiye but Mutyaba reacted faster to hit high the re-bounder.
The home side remained the dominant team for long spells of the opening stanza.
When the second half returned, it was a complete strategy by the two countries.
Uganda laid back, relied more on the route one approach and resorted to time wasting antics. On the other hand Rwanda threw every thing at their own disposal to score the third and possible winner.
Surely, Rwanda remained on top for the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
Watenga saved off Nshuti and the Vipers goalkeeper reacted swiftly to clear away a feeble ball after defenders Paul Musamali and Timothy Awanyi collided in an attempt to clear a high ball.
Goalkeeper Watenga got booked for time wasting, his second caution back to back.
The Uganda Cranes technical team made the first change of the day with Waiswa paving way for SC Villa Jogoo left footed winger Martin Kizza a minute after the hour mark.
The change drifted Kagimu from the left attack role to central midfield.
Kizza got involved almost immediately with a shot off target after interplay with Mutyaba and Nsibambi.
Mutyaba was the second change for the visitors.
He was replaced by Paul Mucureezi on 72 minutes before Erisa Ssekisambu came on later for the injured Milton Karisa in the final Cranes amendment on the day.
There was a penalty shout when Mucureezi was brought down in the forbidden area by defender Soter Kayumba but the referee waved play on.
Rwandese technical team also made their three changes count. Innocent Nshuti who missed the first leg trip to Uganda replaced defender Aimable Nsabimana 65 minutes.
Right winger Eric Iradukunda paved way for forward Gilbert Mugisha and APR’s striker Amran Nshimiyimana replaced Rayon Sports’ Kevin Muhiire at the death of the game.
There was relief for the visiting contingent, having secured qualification to the final tournament in Kenya next year.
This will be Uganda Cranes’ fourth consecutive time to play at the biennial championship that accommodates locally based stars.
Uganda played in Sudan (2011), South Africa (2014) and lately Rwanda (in 2016).
The CECAFA giants only missed out taking part in the inaugural edition played in 2009, hosted by Cote D’Ivoire.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Isma Bin Abdul Watenga (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Dennis Awany, Paul Musamali, Benard Muwanga (Captain), Milton Karisa (89′ Erisa Ssekisambu), Moses Waiswa (61′ Martin Kizza), Muzamiru Mutyaba (72′ Paul Mucureezi), Derrick Nsibambi, Shafik Kagimu
Subs Not used: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Deus Bukenya, Tom Masiko, Simon Peter Sserunkuma
Interim Coaches: Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba (Uganda)
Rwanda Amavubi Stars XI: Eric Ndayishimye (G.K, Captain), Thierry Manzi, Aimable Nsabimana (65′ Innocent Nshuti), Soter Kayumba, Eric Iradukunda (78′ Gilbert Mugisha, ), Djihad Bizimana, Yannick Mukunzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Kevin Muhire (89′ Amran Nshimyimana), Abeddy Biramahire, Savio Dominique Nshuti
Subs Not Used: Marcel Nzarora (G.K), Ange Mutsinzi, Vianney J.M Muwandimwe, Olivier Niyonzima
Head coach: Antoine Hey (Germany)
Match Officials:
Center Referee: Alamen Hafiz Abdelghani (Sudan)
1st Assistant Referee: Ahmed Haitham Elhour (Sudan)
2nd Assistant Referee: Omer Hamid Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan)
4th Official: Mohamed El Treefe Elsiddig (Sudan)
Match Commissioner: James Mwenda Leonard (Malawi)
