Rwanda edge closer to CHAN quarter-finals after Equatorial Guinea win

Friday Rwanda 1-0 Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Libya 0-1 Nigeria Rwanda continued a good run at the ongoing 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after winning 1-0 in the second game of Group C against Equatorial Guinea at Grand Stade de Tanger, Morocco on Friday night. The win boosted Amavubis chances of qualifying to the quarter-finals. Rayon Sports center defender Thierry Manzi converted a wonderful corner taken by Djihad Bizimana in the 66th minute to put Amavubi in the lead. Rwanda and Nigeria are leading the table with four points after drawing one game and winning one while Libya dropped to third position after losing to Nigeria 1-0. Libya has 3 points after thrashing Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in the opening game while Rwanda shared spoils with Nigeria. After a tension-gripped first half, Amavubi dominated the second half and created many opportunities through Abeddy Biramahire, Dominique Savio Nshuti and Fitina Omborenga, but failed to hit the target. Equatorial Guinea had an opportunity to score in the early minutes of the game through Basialio Ndog but failed to hit the target. Meanwhile, Ally Niyonzima will miss the third game against Libya after receiving a second yellow card; he got the first in the opening game against Nigeria. Coach Hey brought on Fitina Ombolenga for Eric Iradukunda in second half as Amavubi piled more pressure in search of a goal. Rwanda’s Iradukunda (left) vies for the ball against Equatorial Guinea’s Owono Nchama in Tanger last night. Courtesy. Later, Hakizimana came on for defender Faustin Usengimana while Amran Nshimiyimana replaced Savio Nshuti five minutes to stoppage time. In the 49th minute, Abeddy Biramahire had chance to kill the game with only goalie Minguel Angel Oscar Eyama to beat but he was kept at bay. In the 52nd minute, Ombolenga set up a good cross for Dominique Savio Nshuti but his header was saved by Equatorial Guinea defenders. Meanwhile in another game, Nigeria beat Libya 1-0, thanks to the lone goal of Sunday Faleye in the 79th minute. Rwanda will play the last game against Libya on Tuesday looking for a win or a draw to reach the quarter-finals while Nigeria will play against Equatorial Guinea. editorial@newtimes.co.rw