Yesterday, 2nd legRwanda 1-0 Ethiopia [1-1 agg] - Ethiopia qualify 6-5 on penaltiesUganda 3-1 Tanzania [4-1 agg]

Amavubi Stars yet again failed to deliver when needed the most as Ethiopia denied Rwanda the chance to qualify for next year’s Africa Nations Championship finals in South Africa.

Hosts Rwanda needed a two-goal margin win or a 1-0 victory and win it on penalties.

But after a normal time 1-0 win over the visitors, Amavubi lost 5-6 on penalties, a result that earned Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes their maiden appearance in CHAN competition. Rwanda was hoping to qualify for the second time after appearing in the 2011 edition in Sudan.

Striker Michel Ndahinduka scored the winner through a header as he connected Jean Baptist’s Mugiraneza’s attempt on 68th minute to send the full-packed Stade de Kigali into wild jubilations.

Amavubi, who had a poor first half, gained momentum in the second half but wasted several scoring opportunities.

Ndahinduka came close to scoring in the first half but impressive defending from Abebaw Butako denied the APR forward.

Ethiopian goalkeeper Jemal Tasew superbly saved Mugiraneza’s header and Patrick Sibomana’s direct attempt from a corner kick as the hosts maintained control of the midfield but lacked prowess upfront.

The introduction of Muhamed Mushimiyimana for Andrew Buteera, Emmanuel Sebanani for Aphrodis Hategikimana and Fabrice Twagizimana helped Amavubi to dominate the second half but the sleek passing Ethiopians stood firm.

The striking partnership of Meddie Kagere and Ndahinduka troubled Ethiopia’s makeshift defence of Aynalem Haslu and Debe Debebe but without much success infront of the goal.

Ethiopia, who displayed their tiki-taka style of football, proved a threat when Shemeles Bekele and Umed Ukuri charged against Faustin Usengimana and Emery Bayisenge but couldn’t beat custodian Jean Claude Ndoli.

With normal time ending in a 1-0 win for Amavubi to tie 1-1 on aggregate, Somalian referee Wish Yabarow had to decide the winner on spot kicks.

Meddie Kagere, Abouba Sibomana, Emmanuel Sebanani, Jean Claude Ndoli and Michel Ndahinduka converted their spot kicks, while defenders Emery Bayisenge and Faustin Usengimana were denied by substitute goalie Sisay Rancha. Behailu Assefa scored the winning penalty for Ethiopia after  Birhanu Bogale had the only for the visitors. Adis Hintsa, Debu Debebe, Abebaw Butako, Aynalem Haslu and Teshome Minyahel also converted the spot kicks.

This is the third major competition that Amavubi, have failed to qualify for this year. The national team missed 2013 Afcon finals held in South Africa and the final round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. 

Elsewhere

Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes beat Tanzania 3-1 in Kampala to qualify for the 2014 African Nations Championship in South Africa.

The Cranes, who appeared at the 2011 CHAN competition in Sudan, qualified on 4-1 goal aggregate after their 1-0 away win in Dar es Salaam on July 13. 

Botswana rallied to draw 1-1 with 10-man Zambia in CHAN first round, first leg qualifier at Molepolole on Saturday.

Ethiopia and Uganda have joined five other countries who have clinched the CHAN slots. Other teams include; South Africa, Ghana, Libya and Morocco. 

The tournament will be held from January 10 to February 1 in South Africa.