SaturdayFirst legTanzania 1-1 RwandaJuly 22: Second legRwanda vs Tanzania

Rwanda national team ‘Amavubi’ held Tanzania’s ‘Taifa Stars’ to 1-1 draw in the first leg of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) second round qualifiers on Saturday at CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza.

AS Kigali new signing Dominique Savio Nshuti scored for Antoine Hey’s team in the 18th minute after being set up by APR left back Emmanuel Imanishimwe before Himid Mao equalized for the hosts from the penalty spot in the 35th minute after South Sudanese referee Alier Michael James awarded a controversial penalty.

On 63rd minute Hey brought on defender Ratif Bishira for Bernabé Mubumbyi, which means Rwanda ended the game with seven defenders on the field.

The others were Aimable Nsabimana, Thierry Manzi, Imanishimwe, Eric Iradukunda and Aimable ‘Mambo’ Rucogoza—he also took off striker Justin Mico and brought on defender Soter Kayumba and with three minutes remaining, youngster Innocent Nshuti replaced Dominique Nshuti.

In the 83rd minute, Rucogoza almost scored own goal but Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye saved the day and with four minutes remaining, Djihad Bizimana saw his long range shot saved well by Taifa Stars goalie Aishi Manula. Rwanda will host Tanzania in second leg at Kigali Stadium on July 22.

However, Ndayishimiye, Yannick Mukunzi, Bizimana and Rucogoza were all booked, while Mubumbyi, Nshuti, Bizimana and Imanishimwe had chances to win the game but missed their chances.

Tanzania had chances through John Bocco, Shiza Kichuya and Himid Mao failed to use them.

The winners between Rwanda and Tanzania will face either Uganda or South Sudan in the third and final qualification round due next month where only eventual winners will qualify to represent the East and Central Africa Zone, alongside hosts Kenya.

The finals tourney will be staged from January 11 to February 2.

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