Player ratings: Imanishimwe shines as Bizimana winner restores Amavubi’s AFCON dream

Rwanda put up a great performance that brought them in race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco after coming from behind to defeat Benin 2-1 at Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, October 15. Amavubi coach Frank Spittler handed Emmanuel Imanishimwe a starting berth ahead of Claude Niyomugabo and he proved his worth, rising to the occasion to deliver a performance that made a significant impact to the victory. Times Sport’s Edmund Okai Gyimah presents to you player ratings from Rwanda's win over Benin. Fiacre Ntwari 6.5 Was not called to action many times in the game. He conceded a goal that any goalkeeper could rarely have saved. The Kaizer Chiefs shot stopper made two good saves as Benin threatened to increase the tally. Fitina Ombrorenga 6 Could have done better. He and Bonheur Mugisha combined to gift Benin the lead after they needlessly lost the ball. Omborenga nearly made amends when he sent a superb cross towards the box only for Gilbert Mugisha to head the ball just wide. Emmanuel Imanishimwe 9.5 Arguably the man of the match courtesy of his excellent defending and dangerous attacks from the win. Imanishimwe provided the assist for Innocent Nshuti's equalizer and he never put a wrong foot throughout the game. Proved why Spittler picked him ahead of Niyomugabo. Clement Niyigena 6.5 Did the basic things by acting as the sweeper while compatriot Ange Mutsinzi handled Steve Mounie. Ange Mutsinzi 8 Top performance from the Zira FK center back who silenced Steve Mounie throughout the game. He man-marked the Benin skipper who hardly had a filled day like he did in the forst leg game in Abidjan. Bonheur Mugisha 6.5 Did not have a good first half as he lacked aggression. His miscommunication with Omborenga cost Rwanda the goal in the first half. He, however, warmed himself into the game and had a decent second half. Samuel Gueulette 8.5 Enjoyed playing in central midfield, his natural position. Gueulette’s passes were spot on, he brought the needed aggression in midfield and also joined the attack when it mattered. Djihad Bizimana 8.5 The Amavubi skipper marshaled the midfield to perfection against the Benin midfield led by Sessi D'Almeida. He won Amavubi the penalty in the 74th minute and easily dispatched it to win the day for his side. He delivered the win as promised before the match. Jojea Kwizera 6.5 Played 45 minutes but created some good chances before being substituted for Jean Bosco Ruboneka who brought in a new dimension. Innocent Nshuti 8 Didn't have a good first half as he touched the ball only once against a tall Benin defensive wall. He, however, improved in the second half as he begun running into empty spaces. Nshuti netted the Amavubi equalizer in the 71st minute as they went on to win 2-1. Gilbert Mugisha 8 Good game from the APR FC man as his threatening runs down the left flank caused problems for the Benin right-back. Missed a glorious chance from a Fitina Ombrorenga cross but he was involved in the move that earned Rwanda an equalizer. Subs Jean Bosco Ruboneka 7.5 Had a decent 45 minutes as he was chasing every ball and trying to put pressure on the Benin players. Steve Rubanguka 6 Did not see match action when he came on but made up the numbers in midfield which made it tough for Benin to penetrate. Kevin Muhire N/A Replaced Samuel Gueulette lin the 90th minute to kill time. Claude Niyomugabo N/A Came in for Gilbert Mugisha in the 93rd minute to kill time. ALSO READ: AFCON Qualifiers: Rohr wary of Amavubi threat Benin Rachid Dandjinou 6 His defense made sure not so many balls came to him. Fantastic between the spots until he conceded two quick goals in a space of two minutes. Mohammed Tijani 7 Defended gallantly when his team was under intense pressure from Rwandan attack. Olivier Verdon 7 Good defensive cover at the back, was able to hold Nshuti until the striker devised a plan by running into empty spaces. Rachid Moumini 6 The 19-year-old couldn't move forward much as Emmanuel Imanishimwe gave him a hell of a time with his attacking runs. Yohan Roche 7 Was a pillar at the back for Benin with his giant frame. He virtually won all the aerial duels he competed for. Hassan Imourane 7.5 Very dangerous in the game, caused incessant problems for Ombrorenga Fitina throughout the encounter. Dodo Dokou 6 Was kept quiet in the game by Samuel Gueulette and Djihad Bizimana who dominated the midfield. Sessi D'Almeida 7 Was not in his best day but showed great experience in midfield as he remained one of their live wires. Junior Olaitan 7 Emmanuel Imanishimwe put the brakes on him as he could not make his usual runs. He had to switch flanks and was able to set up Benin's goal. Andreas Hountondji 8 Benin's best player on the day. He was a real headache for Amavubi throughout the game and opened the scoring in the first half. Steve Mounie 6.5 Was policed by Ange Mutsinzi and could not play his normal game. He was however able to flick some good balls to the wingers which was missed. Tags AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Rwanda Benin

Sports

Player ratings: Imanishimwe shines as Bizimana winner restores Amavubi’s AFCON dream