Saturday - Group A

Rwanda 1-0 Côte d'IvoireGabon 0-0 Morocco

Sunday - Group B

DR Congo vs Ethiopia 3pmAngola vs Cameroon 6pm

A lone goal by APR and Amavubi central defender Emery Bayisenge was enough to secure a first win for Rwanda against Côte d'Ivoire in the opening match of the 2016 CAF African Nations Championship on Saturday.

Johnny McKinstry’s men started the game strongly, taking the game to the Ivorians in-front of a full capacity Amahoro National Stadium. The match was attended by President Paul Kagame, who opened the tournament officially, along with CAF president Issa Hayatou, who is also the acting head of FIFA.

It is the first win for Rwanda against Côte d'Ivoire in seven meetings—before yesterday, Amavubi has lost four and drawn two. Amavubi’s win was made even sweeter by the 0-0 draw between Morocco and Gabon in the late kick off.

The match was dominated by in the middle of the pack as the hosts delivered good football in the first half before the visitors dominated the second period but could not get the equalizer.

Innocent Habyarimana, skipper Jacques Tuyisenge had chances to score in the first half but failed to beat goalie Badra Ali Sangare. 

The Amavubi goal came after Tuyisenge was brought down just outside the 18-yard box, and Bayisenge made no mistake from the resulting free kick in the 16th minute to send the whole stadium into euphoria.

The 21-year old Bayisenge, who also misses a second half penalty, which was well saved by Sangare, was nonetheless named the man of the match as the hosts kicked off their campaign with three important points.

"We are happy with the way the team played mostly in first half where we dominated the game,” a obviously delighted McKinstry said in a post-match press conference.

Team captain, Tuyisenge, said, "The fans really played a big role in this win, especially in the last 10 minutes when Cote d’Ivoire were looking for the equalizer.”

Amavubi were awarded a penalty when Tuyisenge was impeded as he went up for a corner and the assistant referee waved his flag to signal to the referee, who pointed to the penalty spot, as Côte d'Ivoire players protested furiously.

However, because Tuyisenge, who is normally the Amavubi penalty taker, was outside the field receiving treatment, Bayisenge took the responsibility but his attempt was saved by Sangare.

McKinstry made tactical changes by bringing on holding midfielder Jihad Bizimana for forward Dany Usengimana while center back Abdul Rwatubyaye was replaced by his APR team mate, Faustin Usengimana.

The Elephants though, missed a great opportunity to get an equalizer when Djedje Guiza, with Amavubi keeper Eric Ndayimishimiye off his line, saw his shot come off the cross bar.

Michel Dussuyer’s side kept pushing forward in the last ten minute as they kept the hosts under pressure. But McKinstry’s side held onto their lead and walked away with three points and top of Group A ahead of their next game against Gabon on Wednesday. 

Dussuyer said, "We are disappointed with results because we had chances to level the game but this is football. We have to accept the loss and look forward for the next matches.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw