GoTv Cecafa Challenge Cup

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A single goal from Kenya’s defender, Jockins Atudo, kicked out Rwanda from the 2013 GOtv Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup after a quarter final match played yesterday at Mombasa Municipal Stadium.

In a game playing before a near capacity crowd, Amavubi dominated play but failed to find the net allowing the Kenyans to escape with a win despite putting up lackluster show.

The match was preceded by a one-minute silence in remembrance and honor of a Pan-African and former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela who died on Thursday night.

Amavubi wasted chances in the 34th and 78th minutes when skipper Haruna Niyonzima and Michel Ndahinduka threatened the Kenyan defense but met a strong resistance from goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng who stood up to the task.

Eric Nshimiyimana’s side that had won only one game, against Eritrea to qualify for the quarter finals, held Kenya to a goal-less first half before the hosts, who replaced Noah Wafula minutes after recess for a lively Musa Muhammed, scored the winning goal.

Harambee stars pint-sized Keli had two chances, all from tight angles in the first half, being denied by the opposing keeper Jean Ndayishimiye, in the 31st minute while his second attempt in the 43rd minute went way off the mark.

Kenya broke the deadlock in the 55th minute through Atudo when Eritrean referee, Luleseged Gebremichael granted the hosts a soft penalty after ruling a high ball to have touched defender Michel Rusheshangoga’s hand. The decision evoked bitter protests from all the Rwandan players on the turf as well as the technical bench.

However, tempers cooled as usual penalty taker, Atudo made no mistake from 8 yards for his third strike of the tournament. He sent goalie, Luc Jean Ndayishimiye, to his right as the shot went to the far left, sparking wild celebrations from the mammoth crowd of Kenyan fans who kept cheering all evening round.

Amavubi, sensing elimination bells, strengthened attack with the introduction of Cyiza Hussein Mugabo for the tired legs of Jean Claude Iranzi and Jacques Tuyisenge for Mohammed Mushimiyimana. 

Despite pressing forward for a much-needed equalizer, Amavubi’s attacks were futile by the time, Referee Gebremichael called for full time.

A consolation for Amavubi however came when impressive defender Emery Bayisenge, scooped the man of the match award, which comes forth with a DSTV fully connected decoder.

The exit has extended Rwanda’s 14-year wait for the Cecafa Challenge Cup which was last won by Rwanda B in 1999 in Kigali.

The hosts, Kenya will now face Tanzania, who eliminated 13 time record champions, Uganda after a 3-2 pulsating victory after a 2-all thrilling fixture, the first played under very hot temperatures at the coastal town of Mombasa. Diminutive Gor Mahia striker Dan Sserumkuma netted the first for the Ugandans in the 15th minute beating his club mate Ivo Mapunda in the Tanzanian goal.

Two-goal hero Mrisho Ngasa put Tanzania level two minutes later from a long range shot before stretching the lead for the Taifa Stars in the 35th minute from a direct free kick. A defensive mix up by the Tanzanians saw Uganda’s Martin Mpuga restore parity.