Yesterday’s results

Group H
Burundi        3-1  Rwanda
Benin           2-6  Ivory Coast

BUJUMBURA - Amavubi’s hopes of playing in next year’s Africa Nations Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea suffered a massive blow after yesterday’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Burundi. It was a great result for the Swallows who had not beaten the wasps in the last decade.

In a match that brought out one of the finest attacking displays by the swallows, the wasps were simply not upto the task.

Coach Sellas Tetteh surprised many when he chose to leave out Captain Haruna Niyonizma and prolific striker Bokota Labama from the starting 11.

The Ghanaian instead opted for Peter Kagabo and Jacques Tuyisenge, both deployed in unfamiliar positions.

Kagabo started on the left wing while Tuyisenge played on the right wing.

Amavubi were devoid of creativity and it was not long before Burundi forward Saidi Seleman put the hosts in front on the 36th minute to send the fully packed Prince Louis Rwagasore stadium into ululation.

After the break, Tetteh introduced Bokota for the less efficient Kagabo and the move paid off instantly as the Motema Pemba striker equalised.

Amavubi continued pressing but couldnot find the back of the net.

Burundi striker Saido Ntibazonkiza then showed the wasps how it is done by doubling the hosts’ lead mid-way through the second half.

The situation went from bad to worse for Tetteh when stand in captain Jean Baptiste Muriganeza a.k.a Migi was sent off after receiving a second yellow card on the 73rd minute.
12 minutes later, Didier Kavumbagu sealed the points with a brilliant individual goal.

For the final five minutes, the swallows resorted to what they do best- keep the ball.

The result left Burundi on level points with Benin (four) who suffered a 2-6 defeat against group leaders Ivory Coast.

Rwanda are back to the bottom of the table while the Elephants are all but through to the Nations Cup.

Ends