An exquisite long range drive from Monzer Abo Khamis early in the first half was all what Sudan needed to beat Rwanda at Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam, on Tuesday, October 8, and make it two wins in a row in the group stages of the 2024 CECAFA U20.
It took the Sudanese side just six minutes to open the scores after early exchanges. A misplaced pass from Rwanda defense found Osman Abdallah who laid it for skipper Monzer Abo Khamis. He hit a superb drive from 25 yards for the first goal.
After conceding an early goal, Eric Nshimiyimana’s men came strongly into the game pushing for an equalizer but the Sudanese used their big stature as an advantage in aerials and one-on-ones.
Rwanda could have equalized in the 11th minute but skipper Didier Ndayishimiye saw his header from Jesus Sindi free kick hit the post.
Nshimiyimana’s men started to pin Sudan into their own half. Thierry Musabyimana caused havoc in the opponent’s vital area but his shot missed the target by inches in the 20th minute to the relief of the Sudanese bench.
At the other end, Musa Hussein and Osman Abdallah combined well but the latter's effort was saved by goalkeeper Yvan Ruhamyankiko in the 35th minute to keep his team in the game.
Rwanda kept piling pressure on Sudan who sat deep but there was no cutting edge as all their efforts were thwarted by the robust Sudanese defenders.
Sudan kept Rwanda at bay until the two teams headed into the halftime break.
The second half saw both teams pushing more men forward as they sought for an early goal.
Rwanda midfielder Bobo Sibomana took control of the midfield as he dictated the pace of the game. The Sudanese side, on the other hand, threatened on the wings using Moussa Hussein’s pace on the left wing to great effects.
Sudan could have doubled the lead in the 70th minute but Abdul Niyigena denied them a chance thanks with a well-timed tackle.
Sudanese goalkeeper Mohammed Abdallah pulled a couple of saves later on in the game, denying the likes of Thierry Musabyimana to level the scores.
The game ended 1-0 for Sudan who now sit top of Group A with 6 points from two games.
Rwanda will be looking to bounce back when they face Kenya on October 10 in their second Group A game.