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Rwanda 2-1 Gabon

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Rwanda are the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the 2016 African Nations Championship after a well deserved 2-1 win against a 10-man Gabon in a Group A match played on Wednesday at the Amahoro National Stadium.

Striker Ernest Sugira, who was included in the starting line-up by Coach Johnny McKinstry in the place of Danny Usengimana, netted each side of the break to make it two wins in a row for the tournament hosts, following their opening day 1-0 win against Ivory Coast on Saturday.

McKinstry’s youthful side, playing with a new-found confidence in-front of a fully packed Amahoro stadium, had to wait until the 42nd minute to break the deadlock, with Sugira beating Yves Moto from close range after the hard work of skipper Jacques Tuyisenge whose goal-bound shot had been blocked by a Gabonese defender.

Amavubi doubled their advantage in the 47th minute, when the AS Kigali forward, Sugira made a great run down the left flank before cutting inside, and fended off two Gabon defenders before unleashing a great finish into the top corner, to send the whole nation into a joyous mood.

Gabon finished the game with 10 players after defender Tchen Kabi was sent off for a second bookable offence after a late challenge on Dominic Savio Nshuti.

Gabon were gifted a lifeline in the 55th minute when goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimiye made a mill of a cross from Mario Mandrault, allowing Aaron Boupendza to score with a header.

Just ten minutes later, Ndayishimiye made the sharp save to keep out the attempt of left back Celestin Ndayishimiye, who, in trying to make a clearance, almost put the ball in his own net-almost spoiling the party.

Gabon’s hope ended after TKabi picked up a second yellow card, and was sent for an early bath in the 58thminute by referee Janny Sikazwe.

Rwanda qualifies for the quarter-finals for the first time in their second appearance in Africa’s second biggest international football competition; following their woeful debut in 2011 (Sudan) where Amavubi lost their entire three group matches.

Rwanda’s final Group A match sees them take on Morocco on Sunday in Kigali, while Gabon will take on Ivory Coast in a simultaneous game in Huye.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast secured their first win of the tournament after beating Morocco 1-0 in the evening game and will need only a draw against Gabon on Sunday to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Krahire Yannick Zakri scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in the 45th minute after Abderrahim Achchakir fouled Junior Hemann Djobo inside the area, and the referee pointed to the spot.

The defender was also booked for his troubles, his second yellow of the game, which led to his dismissal.

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