Defeat leaves Rwanda’s chances hanging in balance

2010 World/ CAN qualifier

Group C
Zambia  1-0  Rwanda

Today
Algeria   v   Egypt

Rwanda’s dream of making a debut World Cup appearance let alone a second appearance in Africa’s Nations Cup was dealt a major setback after yesterday’s 1-0 defeat against Zambia.

The game, which was played at Chililabombwe’s Konkola stadium, 500km from the capital-Lusaka, attracted a full stadium.

The Amavubi Stars lived dangerously throughout the game and it was no surprise when the Chipolopolo finally broke the deadlock on the 79th minute. Rainford Kalaba who plays his football in Portugal with Sporting Braga scored the goal. 

After a goalless first half, Zambia’s coach Herve Bernard changed his game plan and it seemed to pay off as the hosts increasingly pressed Amavubi to the back foot.

The goal, which came from a Given Singuluma cross, was a result of a six-pass move and Bernard must have been pleased with the final execution.

Zambia came close to going 2-0 ahead in the 82nd minute when second half substitute Jacob Mulenga latched onto to a great ball from Felix Katongo inside the six yard area.

However, Rwanda’s goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli did well to close down the Chipolopolo striker whose effort went inches past the woodwork.

Apart from letting in the goal, Ndoli was by far Rwanda’s most impressive player on pitch. The score line could have been a lot worse had it not been for the experienced APR shot stopper.

Ndoli made twelve saves, including a Collins Mbesuma penalty on the 38th minute after a clumsy challenge by Aloua Gaseruka.

Amavubi made a few attempts on goal through Amavubi’s winger Haruna Niyonzima but that was it.

On top of Rwanda’s inability to hold onto the ball, Tucak Branko’s cautious approach to bring on Bonaventure Hategekimana for Niyonzima only worsened things as Zambia kept pressing a defense minded visiting team.

Rwanda’s strikers Labama Bokota and Olivier Karekezi were hardly in the game as they hardly troubled Zambia’s keeper Kennedy Mweene.

His only save came in the first half when he dealt easily with a well-directed shot from Niyonzima after 37 minutes.

Zambia is now top of Group C with four points while Rwanda is still at the foot with a point.

The other group three encounter between Northern African rivals Algeria and Egypt is scheduled for today in Blida, North of Algeria. Both teams have one point each after drawing their first games against Rwanda and Zambia respectively.

Ends