Rwanda U20, Morocco share spoils in memorial clash

Rwanda U20 national team and their Morocco counterparts played out a 1-all draw in the 2016 Genocide memorial match on Saturday at Amahoro National Stadium. Striker Blaise Itangishaka put Rwanda ahead in the opening minute as he powered a long shot past goalie Sidki Achraf following miscommunication between from the Moroccan central defence pairing of Dari Achraf and Grib Aziz. The game was part of FERWAFA’s commemoration of the over one million lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Junior Wasps were spiced up by First sons; Ian Kigenza Kagame and Bryan Cyizere Kagame, who made their maiden debut for Rwanda national team. Prior to kick-off, Rwanda skipper Savio Dominique Nshuti and his Morocco counterpart, Regradui Hamza as well as Ian Kigenza Kagame, read key messages in Kinyarwanda, French and English to fans. Morocco mounted pressure in search for an equalizer, especially through midfielders Fadiz Othman and Hannouri Hamza, forcing Rwanda goalkeeper Bonheur Hategikimana to make superb saves. Rwanda coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga made his first substitution in the 27th minute, bringing on Park Udahemuka for Ian Kigenza Kagame, to beef up attacking options. Morocco’s deserved equalizer arrived in the 43rd minute through Hicham Boussoufiane. Both sides played an offensive game but none could find the net for a winning goal, thus ending in a 1-all draw. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwanda U20, Morocco share spoils in memorial clash