Rwanda and Kenya played out a goalless draw in second Group A match of the 2024 CECAFA U20 held at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, October 10. Rwanda showed resilience as they put up a spirited performance to earn a deserved point against the Kenyans, hence avoiding early exit from the competition. Eric Nshimiyimana made three changes to the team which lost 1-0 to Sudan on Tuesday with Francois Habineza replacing Yvan Ruhamyankiko in the posts while Erirohe Yangiriyeneza and Pascal Iradukunda started ahead of Arsene Kanamugire and Laurent Vicky Petry respectively. The game started at a slow pace as both teams decided to pass the ball in midfield with little intention to move forward. The first chance of the game fell to Kenya's Kevin Wangaya in the ninth minute after he latched onto a through ball but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Habineza. Kenya found a leeway on the left side of the Rwandan defense where Rene Uwineza was operating. William Mwangi created some decent chances from that area in the 20th and 25th minutes but he could not score as Habineza pulled some good saves to keep Rwanda in the game. Nshimiyimana’s attack looked a bit shy in front of goal. Iradukunda, who was operating on the right side of the front three, wasted chances from the majority of passes he recieved. Rwanda's first shot at goal came in the 32nd minute when Didier Ndayishimiye's long range effort sailed over the cross bar. Habineza, who was formidable in the post, again pulled a nice save to deny Kelly Madada the opening goal in the 40th minute. Kenya were dominating possession till the end of the first half. They had a free kick around the 18-yard box following a foul on Andres Odhiambo but Wangaya blasted the kick wide. Kenya had been the better side in the first 45 minutes that Rwanda remained resilient to stay in the game. The second half saw Rwanda improving upon their performance as they dominated possession for the first quarter. Coach Salim Babu's men sat deep and tried to catch the Junior Wasps on the counter. Goalkeeper Habineza came to the rescue of Rwanda once again in the 75th minute to deny Madada the opener. The tempo of the game increased as both teams pushed more men upfront in an attempt to break the deadlock. Kenya launched a late onslaught but Rwanda defended gallantly as the game ended 0-0. Kenya now sit second with four points while Rwanda are fourth with 1 point.
