Saturday

Group HMauritius 1-0 Rwanda

FridayGhana 3-1 Mozambique

Today Mozambique vs Ghana 4pmKenya vs Guinea-BissauBotswana vs Comoros Benin vs South Sudan 5pmCongo vs Zambia 5:30PM

Striker Francis Rasolofonirina inspired Mauritius to a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in the third game of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday afternoon at the Anjalay Stadium in Belle-Vue.

Hosts Mauritius dominated their visitors and scored their goal in the 60th minute to secure second position in Group H with six points. Ghana, who beat Mozambique 3-1 on Friday, leads the table with nine points after three wins from three matches.

Rwanda is currently in third position after winning one game against Mozambique. Rwanda will host Mauritius in the second leg on Tuesday at Kigali Regional Stadium.

Mauritius started the game strongly but Rwanda’s defence, marshaled by Fitina Ombalenga, Salomon Nirisarike, Abdul Rwatubyaye and Abouba Sibomana did so well to deal with every attack.

Rwanda had three shots on target through Jean-Claude Iranzi, Elias Uzamukunda and Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza but failed to hit the back of the net.

Mauritius shows strength in counterattacks through forward Kevin Abru but his two long attempts were only saved by the woodwork. Ricky Jano had another chance but failed to beat Amavubi keeper, Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye.

Mugiraneza, Haruna Niyonzima and Iranzi combined well but Mugiraneza’s shot was deflected off the post by goalkeeper Jean Louis Kevin.

In the second half, Johnny McKinstry introduced striker Quentin Rushenguziminega for Yussuf Habimana while Ernest Sugira came on for Uzamukunda. Iranzi was booked in the second half.

Midfielder Muhadjiri Hakizimana came on for his first international debut in place of Savio Dominic Nshuti, which was history in itself as he played alongside his elder brother, Niyonzima.

There were already two brothers on the starting team, with left back Abouba Sibomana and right back Fitina Ombalenga. Niyonzima also played alongside his elder brother Abdul Sibomana between 2007 and 2008.

Other siblings who have played together for Amavubi include Jean Lomami and André Lomami in 2002, Yves Mudeyi and Nazer Mudeyi in 1996. Valens Muvala played alongside Gustave Mudeyi in the early 1990s.

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