Wednesday

Rwanda 0-1 MalawiEgypt 3-0 Uganda

THE Flames of Malawi stunned hosts Rwanda with a  1-0 win  in a Fifa international friendly played on Wednesday at Stade de Kigali.

Atusai Nyondo scored the lone goal of the game in the 28th minute through a penalty after striker Emmanuel Sebanani handled the ball in the forbidden area as the home team defended a corner, leaving Kenyan referee Caleb Amayi with no option but to award a penalty.

Despite the early setback, Eric Nshimiyimana’s team tried to look for an equaliser as they kept possession but met resistance from an organised Malawian defence.

Jacques Tuyisenge, Sebanani, skipper Haruna Niyonzima, Fabrice Twagizimana and substitute Jimmy Mbaraga had their attempts at goal put at bay by the alert visiting goalkeeper Charles Swini.

With Nshimiyimana missing several first choice players, the midfield was manned by Haruna, Mohammed Mushiyimiyimana, Fabrice Twagizimana and Djamar Mwiseneza.

After going down, Amavubi created several scoring opportunities in the second half but were let down by the strikers Sebanani and Tuyisenge, who looked as though they had left the scoring boots in the changing room.

It was a friendly but Nshimiyimana said, "We have to accept that Malawi were tactically better than us.”

He admitted that despite the loss, his youthful team, especially the younger players gained valuable experience, "At least, I had a chance to look at the younger players and how they can cope with playing at the highest level against a good team like Malawi.”

Malawi’s Belgian coach, Tom Saintfiet was satisfied with his team’s display, "I am happy with the result. This is the first game that I have made my own decisions and I think the win will boost our chances against Nigeria to reach the World Cup play-offs.”

Both nations were using the match to weigh their options ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Elsewhere, former Amavubi coach Sredojovic Micho Milutin failed to guide Uganda to a win as the Cranes were mauled 3-0 by the record five-times African champions Egypt.

Ahmed Hassan, Salah Mohamed and Salah Ibrahim scored the goals for Egypt which has already qualified for the 2014 World Cup play-offs.

Amavubi team: Evariste Mutuyimana, Emery Bayisenge, Fabrice Twagizimana, Gabriel Mugabo, Michel Rusheshangonga [Mohamed Mpozembizi], Abouba Sibomana [Ghad Niyonshuti], Haruna Niyonzima, Mohamed Mushimiyimana [Jimmy Mbaraga], Emmanuel Sebanani, Jacques Tuyisenge [Maxime Sekamana] and Djamar Mwiseneza [Innocent Habyarimana].