A brace from AS Kigali striker Ernest Sugira was enough to send Rwanda through to the quarter-finals of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which the country is hosting.

Amavubi’s 2-1 victory over Gabon this evening at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali makes Rwanda the first country to reach the knockout stages of the biennial tournament that attracts 16 teams.

The hosts took the lead in the 42^nd minute after Amavubi skipper Jacques Tuyisenge took on two Gabonese defenders inside the area only to see his effort blocked.

But the ball fell on to Sugira who calmly beat goalkeeper Yves Bitseki Moto.

Johnny McKinstry’s boys returned for the second half showing more intent, with Sugira doubling their lead in the 47^th minute after cleverly eliminating a charging Gabonese defender.

By then it looked like it was going to rain goals at a fully packed Amahoro National Stadium but Amavubi continued to squander chance after another.

In the 55^th minute, Gabon pulled one back through Aaron Boupedza but just as they looked keen on leveling matters, defender Tchen Kabi was red-carded for a second bookable offence.

The evening’s biggest scare for the Amavubi fans came in the 86^nd minute when a free-kick from Gabon striker Stevy Guevane Nzambe hit the woodwork.

When referee Janny Sikazwe (Zambia) blew the final whistle, it was a moment of relief and jubilation for the Rwandan players and fans alike.

Sugira, who was named the Orange Man of the Match, took the place of Danny Usengimana in the squad, with the latter having failed to impress in Rwanda’s first match – against Ivory Coast.

And with Rwanda through to the quarter-finals, their fans settled down to watch the day’s next game; Ivory Coast Vs Morrocco, with the former needing at least a point to remain in the tournament having lost their opening match on Saturday 1-0 against hosts Rwanda.

Gabon and Morrocco have a point each having shared the spoils in their first game.

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