International Build up: Rwanda 0-2 Senegal
Two first half goals from Stoke City forward Diouf Mame Biram and Guingamp Sankhare Younousse inside the opening half an hour saw Senegal outwit Rwanda 2-0 in an international build up played at Amahoro national stadium, Kigali on Saturday.
In a very physical battle, the Lions of Teranga took the lead as early as the 14th minute through Biram before doubling the advantage in the 30th minute.
West Ham defender Cheikhou Kouyate got booked for a wild foul on Rwanda’s right back Fitina Omborenga with two minutes to the end of the opening half.
At the very start of the second stanza, Rwanda coach made two changes, that were followed by a host of many changes the two sides.
Dany Usengimana replaced an inefficient Ernest Sugira as Patrick Sibomana paved way for the U-23 national team skipper, Dominique Savio Nshuti.
First goal hero, Biram injured his left hand as Omar Baye Niasse took his place five minutes after restart.
A minute after the hour mark, Ally Niyonzima came in for the tired legs of crafty Yannick Mukunzi.
Yanga African’s play maker, Haruna Niyonzima came in for the day’s stand-in captain Jacques Tuyisenge.
With 14 minutes left on the clock, West Ham player Cheikhou Kouyate was replaced by Alioune Pape Ndiaye.
Emery Bayisenge forced a decent save from goalie Khadin Ndiaye.
The scores remained intact for either sides preparing for their next AFCON 2017 qualifiers.
Senegal is on top of Group K with maximum points from four games.
Burundi, their next opponent in line is second with six while Niger and Namibia sit in third and fourth positions respectively with three points apiece and cannot qualify for the continental showpiece that will be held by Gabon in 2017.
Team Line ups:
Rwanda XI: Eric Ndayishimiye, Fitina, Emery Bayisenge, Abdoul Rwatubyaye, Ndayishimiye, Yannick Mukunzi, Nshimiyimana,Jean claude Iranzi, Sibomana, Tuyisenge, Ernest Sugira
Senegal XI: Khadin Ndiaye (G.K), Cheikhou Kouyate, Serigne Modou Kara Mbodji, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Diouf, Mane, Sankhare, Sourre Pape Ndouge, Diao Baldé Keita, Mbaye Oumar Niasse
