HIPPOS 0-2 WASPS. Two well executed strikes from Ndishimana Robert and substitute Atuhairwe Kipson were enough for Rwanda’s U-20 side to humiliate Ugandan counter parts infront of home fans at Nakivubo Stadium.
The hosts began brilliantly dominating possession but failed to break the wasps rear guard. In the 11th minute, left back Namwanja Simon fouled Rwanda’s Farouk Ruhinda on the half way line and Yusuf Mukisa’s poor clearance from the resultant free kick fell onto midfielder Ndashimana Robert who sloted the ball home for the opening goal of the game.
The goal awakened Uganda who began to attack endlessly but were frustrated by the assistant referees calls for constant offsides by George Abege who had an off day.
On came Fred Nkata for David Bagoole in the 25th minute and his pace tormented the visitors back line. Twice at the death of the first half, Andrew Kidega and Captain Gift Ali failed to put the ball into the empty net.
After recess, Rwandan Coach introduced former Villa striker Atuhairwe Kipson for Bonny Baingana who had a quiet 45 minutes and the replacement’s effect was immediately felt after he extended Rwanda’s lead in the 47th minute after a brilliant inter play with man of the match Ruhinda Ssentongo Farouk.
From then, the visitors dominated and their would be third goal from a teasing free kick by Proline’s Tibigana Charles was cancelled inviting protests from Rwandan players. The visitors almost added to their lead but only a goal line clearance by Bukenya Deus saved the blushes.
Even the introduction of midfielders Achema Robert, Said Kyeyune and Jjuuko Murushid could not change anything for Paul Nkata’s side. The Wasps win 3-1 on aggregate having drawn 1-1 with the hippos in the first leg at home in Amahoro stadium.
Speaking to Kawowo sports after the game, Coach Paul Nkata said his boys didn’t do enough but insisted that they are just building a team. “The boys didn’t play as instructed. The team is under a rebuilding process and will come good”.
Rwanda’s goal scorer Atuhairwe Kipson was happy with the win and being on the score sheet pointing out that it is great scoring at home away from home. “Uganda is my second home and scoring here is like scoring in Amahoro”, a smiling Kipson told Kawowo Sports.
The match was watched by a reasonable crowd and in attendence was Minister of Sport Bakkabulindi Charles who was the chief guest, Federation CEO, Edgar Watson and Cranes Coach Bobby Williamson.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Farouk Ruhinda was brilliant all evening in the lone striking role and was involved in both goals though Nicholas Wadada also had a good day at office albeit being on the losing side.
UGANDA VERDICT: The individuals in the team have immense talent but need to start playing as a team. RWANDA VERDICT: The future is bright for Rwanda’s football if am to consider today’s performance. They are a brilliant team that knows how to use the ball well.
