CECAFA 2017:
Match Day 4 Results:
Group A
- Zanzibar 2-1 Tanzania
- Rwanda 0-0 Libya
Group B:
- Ethiopia 1-4 Burundi
Rwanda Amavubi Stars will have to wait for another year for CECAFA Senior Challenge cup glory after painfully bowing out of the 2017 championship in Kenya.
This followed a goal-less stalemate with guest country, Libya during a dull group A match played at the Kenyatta stadium in Machakos on Thursday.
Having lost 2-0 and 3-1 to Kenya and Zanzibar respectively in the earlier matches, Rwanda found themselves between a hard place and a rock prior to the third match.
The game eventually ended goal-less to cut short their hopes of qualifying to the semi-finals of the annual championship enroute claiming their second CECAFA Senior challenge cup title winning their only trophy in 1999.
At the same time, Libya recorded their third goal-less draw in a row following two earlier fruitless ties against Tanzania and Kenya.
This implies, the guest country has not scored in 270 minutes of football at the CECAFA senior challenge cup championship.
The Libya – Rwanda match was handled by the Ugandan trio of Alex Muhabi (center referee), Dick Okello (first assistant) and Ronald Katenya (second assistant).
Zanzibar overcame Tanzania 2-1 in the other earlier match on the day. Himid Mao shot Tanzania ahead in the 28th minute.
Kassim Khamis rcoketed into the roof of the net for the equalizer on 68 minutes before Ibrahim Ahmada tapped at the back post for the winner 10 minutes later.
This means, Zanizbar leads group A with 6 points off 2 matches. Hosts Kenya has 4 points as Libya, Tanzania and Rwanda have 3, 1 and 1 points apiece respectively heading to the final round of the group stage matches.
Meanwhile, the final games could definitely decide the fate for Kenya, Tanzania or Libya.
Already ejected Rwanda takes on Tanzania in the early kick off on Saturday as Kenya plays Zanzibar in the subsequent game.
On Monday, 11th December 2017, Libya will entertain Zanzibar in their final Group A match at 2 p.m as Kenya faces Tanzania later at 4 p.m in the old East African derby encounter.
Team Line Ups:
Rwanda XI: Eric Ndayishimiye (G.K), Thierry Manzi, Faustin Usengimana, Soter Kayumba, Eric Iradukunda, Yannick Mukunzi, Djihad Bizimana, Djabel Manishimwe, Justin Mico, Abeddy Biramahire
Subs: Yves Kimenyi (G.K), Marcel Nzarora (G.K), Ali Mbogo, Fitina Omborenga, Ally Niyonzima, Olivier Niyonzima, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Amran Nshimiyimana, Innocent Nshuti, Maxime Sekamana, Herve Rugwiro
Head Coach: Antoine Hey (Germany)
Libya XI: Ali Shniena (G.K), Saed Ajbarah, Aljamal Tariq, Sabbou Motasem, Ali Maetouq, Faisal Albadri (Captain), Mohamed Amhimmid, Taktak Muftah, Tabal Mohamed, Alharaish Zakaria, Saeid Taher Saleh
Subs:
Azzaqah Ahmed (G.K), Abdullah Fathi (G.K), Elbarasi Taher, Shafshuf Shuib, Aleyat Mohamed, Madeen Muhanad, Almaryami Khalid, Mohamed Amer, Eltrbi Ahmed
Head coach: Omar Elmaryami (Libya)
Match Officials:
- Referee: Alex Muhabi (Uganda)
- Assistant Referee 1: Dick Okello (Uganda)
- Assistant Referee 2: Ronald Katenya (Uganda)
- Fourth Official: Malong Ring Akech (South Suda)
- Commissioner/ Referees Inspector: Maxim Itur (Kenya)
- Media Officer: Bonnie Mugabe (Rwanda)