SaturdayRwanda *0-0 Tanzania (1-1 agg)

Rwanda has qualified for the third qualification round of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after eliminating Tanzania on 1-1 goals aggregate following a goalless draw in the second leg played on Saturday at Kigali Stadium.

Tanzania dominated the proceedings in the first half creating numerous scoring chances but couldn’t get behind Antoine Hey’s team, who came into the game knowing a scoreless draw would see them through, having managed an away goal during the 1-1 draw from the first leg in Mwanza last weekend.

Forwards Saimon Msuva, Hamid Mao and John Bocco all had opportunities to put the visitors in the lead but failed to beat Amavubi goalkeeper and captain, Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye.

AS Kigali right back Eric Iradukunda got a rare opportunity for Amavubi when he was left one on one with Taifa Stars goalkeeper Aisha Manula.

Rwanda came back for the second half the more aggressive side, putting pressure on Tanzania but Kevin Muhire missed a great chance a minute later Ndayishimiye had made a fine save to deny Bocco.

Bocco continued to cause all sorts of problems for the Amavubi defence led by Thierry Manzi, Aimable Rucogoza and Aimable Nsabimana.

Like in the first leg, Rwanda ended the game with eight defenders on the field and after the match; Hey admitted that, "I am pleased with the performance and happy that we qualify to the next round.”

On the negative, goalkeeper Ndayishimiye will miss the first leg game against Uganda after receiving a yellow card to add to the one he got in last week in Mwanza. Uganda beat South Sudan 5-1 in the second leg in Kampala following a goalless draw in the first leg.

The third round winners will qualify to represent the East and Central African Zone at next year’s finals tournament, alongside hosts Kenya.

The CHAN tournament, which is reserved for players, who feature in their respective domestic leagues across Africa, will be staged from January 11 to February 2, 2018.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw