Substitute Sabri Dahary Kondo scored twice in the second half as hosts Tanzania thumped Rwanda 3-0 at Azam Sports Complex on Sunday, October 13, to book a ticket to the 2024 CECAFA U20 quarterfinals.
The result not only extended Rwanda’s winless streak to three games but also ended their hopes of qualifying in the knockout stages.
Rwanda coach Eric Nshimiyimana lined up an unchanged first 11 which secured a draw against Kenya as he looked to upset Tanzania on their home soil.
His ambitions looked a bit promising in the early minutes of the game but, against the run of play, Tanzania took the lead in the 9th minute through Zidane Sereri. The winger connected beautifully inside the box following a cross from Abdul Kareem on the right to score the opening goal.
Despite the early setback, Rwanda were undaunted. The Junior Wasps stringed decent passes together with Didier Ndayishimiye been the chief architect in midfield.
Rwanda could have equalized in the 20th minute but goalkeeper Anthony Remy pulled a great save to deny Fabrice Kayiranga an equalizer.
Both Musabyimana and Paul Jesus Sindi began to torment the Tanzanian defense from either wing. Sindi had a shot sailed over the cross bar in the 25th minute before Musabyimana's effort in the 30th minute also went wide.
Keeper Habineza came to the rescue of Rwanda with a fine save, denying Ahmed Bakary the second goal in the 40th minute.
The final five minutes of the first half saw both teams defending gallantly as the first half ended 1-0 in favor of Tanzania.
The home side looked more purposeful upfront in the second half right after Sabri Kondo was introduced. The attacker tore the Rwandan defense into shreds with his direct attacking play through the middle.
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Tanzania's dominance yielded dividends as Kondo made it 2-0 with an exhilarating finish in the 72nd minute. Rwanda went all out looking for a goal to reduce the deficit and they were hit numerous times on the counter.
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Kondo made it 3-0 with a powerful strike in the 82nd minute as he put the game beyond Rwanda’s reach.
The defeat saw Rwanda eliminated from the competition after managing just 1 point from 3 games.