Sunday - 2020 CHAN qualifier (first-leg) Ethiopia 0-1 Rwanda

ERNEST Sugira left the home fans at Mekelle Stadium shocked when he thundered a stunning overhead kick to inspire Rwanda to a 1-0 win Ethiopia in the first leg of their CHAN 2020 Qualifier on Sunday afternoon.

It was the talisman’s second strike for Amavubi within four days as the 28-year old also scored the goal during last Wednesday’s 3-2 win over DR Congo in an international friendly match.

Also, for the first time since 2011, Rwanda has won four matches in a row, having overpowered Seychelles twice in the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers earlier this month.

In Sunday’s win, Sugira made all the all-important difference in the 60th minute with an acrobatic overhead kick after he reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box to score what he probably now regards as the best goal of his career.

Ethiopia had started at a furious pace, but Rwanda’s midfield that consisted of Eric Nsabimana, Olivier Niyonzima, and Amran Nshimiyimana built a solid combination that allowed no space for the hosts to break through the back-line.

Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye generally had no major troubles in goal, except for one attempt that hit the post with three minutes to clock.  

In the second half, Amavubi made three changes as Jean-Claude Iranzi, Djabel Manishimwe and Sugira made way for Eric Iradukunda, Andrew Buteera, and Justin Mico, in that order, as coach Vincent Mashami switched to possession football instead of a risky pursuit for a second goal.

The away victory effectively gives Amavubi an edge over their Horn of Africa opponents ahead of the decisive clash in Kigali, on the weekend of October 18-19, as the two teams vie for a ticket to the 6th African Nations Championships (CHAN) to be held in Cameroon next year.

A draw will be enough for Amavubi to secure a third consecutive appearance – and fourth overall – in the continent’s second-biggest football tournament.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com